RL YEAR: 2005
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/1 (timeout warning) Posted Author
New world! Thu Mar 03 The Doctor
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The Ark has been shifted to a new world. It now floats above a plain of fallen
flying fortresses. Plans are underway to investigate the village visible off
to the east.
In other news, Oskar the dwarf (NPC) is buildling a tavern/inn off the Empty
Well.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/2 (timeout warning) Posted Author
First contacts Tue Mar 08 The Doctor
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Envoys from the Ark visit the village of Nix - our closest human neighbors, 6
miles to the east, and come to a peaceful trading and hunting agreement. We
are to restrict our hunting and scavenging to west of Nix/the river. We also
offered to clear out a lair of kobolds that had been raiding and killing the
villagers - this was done, thanks to Maria's arcane powers in persuading the
kobolds to surrender and leave.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/3 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Donations and Healings Sat Mar 12 The Doctor
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Now that people have started venturing out onto the ground, Brother Fiorian,
currently the only local cleric (a 3rd level NPC), has set up donation bins in
the main keep, in order to collect goods and coins to be used for the common
good of the Ark. He says also that he will freely heal any explorers who come
back injured, to the best of his ability.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/4 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Nix, wererats, new residents Sat Mar 12 The Doctor
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A follow-up visit to Nix establishes a trade and mutual-defense agreement.
This latter is tested almost at once when a were-rat threatens Nix. Our heros
defeat it, but Maria, infected by its bite, is forced to travel downriver to
Gaerrix, where the high priestess of Pelor cures her, in return for agreeing
to host and help refugee believer Hyan Luize, late of Minaxis-Nochti. A local
wizard, Tharse ex-Kavari, also joins the Ark.
Offworlder wizard Drayakir Darodor is credited for felling the wererat with a
single spell.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/5 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Grand Opening Sun Mar 20 Maria
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All through the Ark, and even as far as the town of Nix, there is word
that the Black Dragon Tavern, the first tavern to be opened on the Ark, will
be having an opening Gala, hosted by Oskar, the Dwarf, on Wednesday night.
Word has it that while Oskar is in charge of the Bar and the Inn, there is
another part of the Tavern, which is being run by the lady many have come to
know as Maria Evenstar. Rumor has it that this is to be a place where men and
women can come to recieve a good show, for the proper ammount of coin, and
there is to be live performances, of multiple sorts, by Melinda herself. Word
has it that anyone who wishes to come from the Ark or Nix is invited.
OOC: Yes, the Tavern is opening. The only people permitted to have weapons on
premises are people employed by the tavern. Come wednesday night, and we'll
start around 9pm, EST, or whenever people get here.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/6 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Local rumors: bandits? Wed Apr 20 The Doctor
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Anyone in contact with the villagers of Nix may have noticed that lately
they've been worried about horse thieves...seems some villages downriver have
had horses stolen, and they're worried they may be next. Rumor has it that one
of the larger cities on the coast (down the river) is trying to train up a
substantial cavalry.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/7 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Dragon Slayers! Tue Jul 12 Maria
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Tales have been flying over the Ark of how the warrior Dagoth and the
Mistress of the Black Dragon Tavern's Parlor set out from the Ark one day,
returning at evening with the head of a Black Dragon upon a staff. Maria is
said to have told the eager crowd the tale of how the pair went out and slayed
the dragon, who was residing on the far side of Nix. The head of the baby
black dragon has been mounted on the wall of the Tavern over the bar.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/8 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Rumors of war Tue Sep 13 The Doctor
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There is an influx of refugees coming up the river, along with a number of
recruiters for the newly-formed Churrash League (apparently the various city
governments signed a bunch of mutual defense treaties) Self Defense Forces.
Word is they're paying people 5 gp upfront to sign up (while certain less
legitimate press gangs are kidnapping farmers and selling them into the army.)
Nix now has the newcomers camped out north of the village grounds, in Elder
Tarn's cow pasture.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/9 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Increased attacks, war plans Tue Oct 18 The Doctor
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Attacks continue sporadically near Nix and the Ark, including rumors of a
vampire, ghouls, and skeletons. So far they have been driven back or
destroyed, but the number increases. The front moves closer...
The Churrash League is calling for everyone to send whatever forces they can,
and plan to try to push back the enemy at Dovenail Ford (a geographically
likely battleground.)
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/10 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Duel! Wed Dec 14 The Doctor
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After an argument over the first diplomatic contact with the locals below the
Ark (the Ice Raiders) escalates into blows and spells, Maria challenges
Drayakir to a duel. The Ark authorities (Captain Vera of the Gatehouse crew,
Fiorian, Hyan Luize) step in and question them, but ultimately allow it, as
both Maria and Drayakir claim noble rights to honor. The duel is held on the
ice under the Ark.
Maria wins the initiative, her first blow nearly killing the wizard on the
spot. Drayakir's attempt to incapacitate her with a spell fails to take hold,
and the warlock's next blast proves fatal. She then decapitates him, and the
duel is over...
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RL YEAR: 2006
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/11 (timeout warning) Posted Author
snowhorn hunting Fri Feb 10 Corellon
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Ark scouts, exploring the ice fields, spotted what looked to be a herd of
white-furred bisonlike creatures. The council, wanting to increase the amount
of meat available for food, asked for volunteers to go out on a hunting
expedition to bring back three of these animals. The party was taken by sleigh
to the point from which the scouts had spotted the herd, at which point they
proceeded on foot to take down the prey.
The hunting party encountered a hunting party from an orc clan residing in
that area. The leader of the orc hunting party was named Gron, and he claimed
to be of the 'Rock Hill' clan, and insisted the Ark's hunting party should
leave his clan's hunting terriroty. Maria, however, was able to convince Gron
that the two hunting parties would have better results if they worked
together; the orc hunt-leader agreed.
Before the combined hunting party could begin the hunt, two snow-lions
attacked. One of the orcs was slain and Tylan and Rogdin were both badly
wounded -- Tylan was put 'out of action' -- before the lions were put down.
Thankfully, while Tylan's injuries were life-threatening, Rogdin was able to
save the elf's life.
With two of the combined hunting party out of action or dead, the hunt didn't
go as well as had been hoped. In the end, two carcasses of what the orcs
called 'snowhorns' were returned to the Ark and one was taken back to their
clan by the orcs. Gron did inform Maria that he'd gladly join forces with
another Ark hunting party, in the future.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/12 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Plane shift! Mon Feb 13 The Doctor
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After much discussion and a second visit from Jehane of the Fortress of the
Chosen (aka Shadow Witches) (and her master Sengi), the Ark residents decide
not to risk getting further entangled in local affairs. They move the Ark to a
new world...
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/13 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Massacre at Grimstone Keep! Mon Mar 06 The Doctor
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OOC note: this actually refers to last week. Forgot to post.
The diplomatic party returns from the baron's keep to find a scene of mass
death on the Ark. A poisonous cloud appeared in Grimstone Keep as many of the
Ark's residents were gathered for supper. 48 people were killed, plus one man
who leaped off the Ark to a fiery death. A bone mask left behind in the
courtyard spoke, proclaiming "Faithless fools of the Ark: behold the Chosen's
payment for broken contracts."
The bodies were burned in a great pyre under the Ark. Later, a cairn was
raised as a memorial.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/14 (timeout warning) Posted Author
new arrivals Tue Mar 14 Corellon
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Two new arrivals appeared in the Change Engines -- a priest of Pelor named
Elanis and a wizard named Gerard. They, and Slash and Howl (both of whom
responded when the Engine guard came up to the tavern to warn of activity in
the Engine room), fought of a horde of ten goblins and an undead creature
(later identified by Hyan as a ghoul). None were badly injured in the
encounter, and the Old Man, while having spoken about 'new toys' early on,
continued to be strangely quiet afterwards...
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/15 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Alchemy lab recovered! Sun Apr 09 The Doctor
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The Ark's adventurers successfully track down the fancy lab gone missing in
transit, that the Ark's alchemist/wizard had ordered. In the process, they
find a lair where a demonic wolf-thing and a brain in a jar had a secret
alchemical workshop going...
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/16 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Prices matched! Fri Apr 21 Sviar
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...on wondrous items and enchanted weapons and armor. The market being what it
is, Sviar says he will match Aoi the Artificer's prices on these magical items
that he can make!
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/17 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Brukal joins the Gatehouse Crew Sun May 07 The Doctor
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The warrior Brukal retires from active adventuring. Captain Doyle recruits him
for the Gatehouse Crew, which needed to replace the fighters lost to the
Cloudkill.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/18 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Dragons and Minotaurs, oh my! Fri May 12 Slash
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A new arrival, a halfling girl, appeared in the Change Engines today. Slash,
Elanis, and Faiza were on guard duty.
Following the halfling girl, a red dragon wyrmling, and a big pile of coins,
poured into the room. The guards, with the halfling (whose name is Lana)
helping, easily dispatched the dragon.
However, Faiza taunted the Old Man, chiding him for sending children against
them -- and a HUGE minotaur appeared, charging at the gnoll! The battle was
intense -- and looked to be going against the minotaur, until the beast all
but literally cut Elanis' torso separate from his hips... and the priest fell,
killed instantly by the blow.
The gnoll, Slash, stood toe to toe with the minotaur, but was eventually also
felled by the monstrous strength of his opponent. (Luckily, the gnoll survived
the battle, despite being sorely wounded!)
The hero of the day was the bard, Azathoth... who with a final, desperate
lunge, ran his sword through the minotaur's chest and into the beast's foul
heart.
Rumor has it that the bard will never have to buy himself a drink at the
tavern ever again -- at least as long as Slash lives.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/19 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Change Engine Overdrive Mon May 22 Gronwin
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A busy day for one in all as the change engine was once more active.
This time not one attack but two seperate waves. The 'old man' was heard
durring the first when two more castaways joined the crew of the Ark. (Salana
and Chovik) A group of goblins came along for the ride but the crew of the Ark
(Kado, Aoi, Xarxe) assisted by the two newcomers defeated the group handily.
Ark residents are encouraged to say hello to the new folks.
Later on that day the Ark's lead group of adventurers was once again
on duty when the engines came to life once more. Once more those of the race
known as Witchknives came through the portal and seems they gave the group
abit of trouble. Still our folks (Tylan, Svair, Hayli, Inconna and Jones) came
out on top in the end and no loss of life. And speaking of loss of life..it
seems that the victory over the Withcknives gifted the group with precious
magics that allowed them to bring Dal'Niy back from the dead! Again folks of
the Ark are encouraged to thank our guardians one and all and to well-wish the
recovered wizard and newcomers.
_signed the council_
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/20 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Scrolls for Sale! Wed May 24 Aoi
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Aoi has advertised that she has the following scrolls for sale:
Magic Missile (1st level) x2, 15gp each
Cure Light Wounds (1st level) x2, 15gp each
Entangle (1st level) x2, 15gp each
Invest Light Protection (1st level) x2, 15gp each
Bless (1st level) x2, 15gp each
Color Spray (1st level) x2, 15gp each
Ray of Enfeeblement (1st level) x2, 15gp each
Animalistic Power (2nd level -- 2m duration) x2, 90gp each
Shield (1st level) x2, 15gp each
Shield of Faith (1st level) x2, 15gp each
OOC NOTE: These won't be ready, ICly, until Friday morning. However, these are
'in stock' as of now.
Specialty orders of 1st and 2nd level spell scrolls can be taken after Friday
morning. Potions of any 1st and 2nd level spell can also be made, if buyer
prefers, but those take longer to produce and cost more.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/21 (timeout warning) Posted Author
A gnoll's nickname... Mon May 29 Slash
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Rumor would have spread quickly through the small community on the Ark about
an encounter at the Black Dragon Tavern between a hyperactive halfling girl
(the newcomer named Lana) and the Ark's resident gnoll, Slash.
To make a long story short, pretty well everyone on the Ark would know that
she called him 'Slashie-poo'. Poor gnoll will never live that one down...
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/22 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Sivris Mon May 29 Gronwin
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Let ti be known apon the Ark that the council hails those who went
forth to do battle with the Dragon teritory outcast known as Sivris. The
following all participated in the fiend's downfall: Tylan, Hayli, Jones,
Faiza, Inconna, Lana, Sarah and Dal'Niy.
It has been told to the coucil that the battle was long and arduious
and that death was close for a few of our own. Yet in the end all live and
even in their triumph have gifted the Ark with a share of their spoils. A
magic wand and money have been handed over to the council and will be put to
good use for the betterment of the Ark. All hail our heros!
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/23 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Stalked by dreams! Wed Jun 07 The Doctor
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Most of the Ark's population mysteriously and simultaneously fell asleep, a
slumber from which the unsleeping elves and warforged were unable to wake
them. In both waking and dream world, the defenders of the Ark tracked down
the enemy...strange entities that one of the elves recognized as "Dream
masters", nightmare creatures that wielded terror as a weapon. Sleeping and
waking, the creatures were destroyed, freeing the population to wake up once
more.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/24 Posted Author
Lich? Wed Jun 21 The Doctor
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On their way back from Haldresburg, a group of Ark adventurers came across a
wounded hawk struggling under a curse, apparently carrying some message from
its druid mistress. The hawk was pursued by two undead ogres, which the team
dispatched. They found that the hawk was carrying a miniature jeweled hand/eye
(identified by Jones as a symbol of Vecna) and a message claiming that the
hand was "Ch.'s phylactery". The group also noticed that the mummified ogre's
wrappings contained some kind of map. Tylan rode to warn the Baron, while
others returned to the Ark with map and (presumed) phylactery.
The Baron replies with a "Thank you for the warning. We will alert our scouts
and patrols. As for this lich...Hawthorn Abbey stirred up this trouble. Let
them deal with it!"
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/25 Posted Author
Hawthorn Abbey, Lich Sat Jun 24 The Doctor
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Following the discovery of the druid Azabel's wounded hawk (with the urgent
message and supposed phylactery of Chresh the Necromancer), a group of Ark
adventurers (Slash, Howl, Kyliea, and Sviar) set out to deliver both hawk and
message to Hawthorn Abbey. They are beset along the way by goblins, worgs, and
ghouls, but easily defeat them. Reaching the fortress-like abbey, they are
welcomed in by the defenders and asked to assist in a trap set to destroy the
necromancer. Arranging themselves in a cellar, the group fends off the lich's
shadow minions, then confront the lich himself (a goblin necromancer already
battered from fighting his way through the rest of the Abbey...). Athena's
cleric, Kyliea, landed the finishing blow, and after that Slash made short
work of the phylactery.
The Abbey, having expended much of its resources tracking down and battling
Chresh, expressed regrets at not being able to reward the adventurers
properly. They are sending a couple of their best arcanists to the Ark, to see
if they can alleviate the problem of this Curse that they've heard about...
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/26 Posted Author
Bandits Sun Jun 25 Genesis
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The Baron sent word of a group of bandits operating near the border between
his realm and the Dragon's. They would, when pressed, retreat across the
border, foiling attempts to catch them. The Ark was hired to hunt the bandits
down. The Deacon, Kyliea, and Faiza set forth, and found and defeated the
bandits. They also freed a young sorceress named Tiana, who said she had been
on the way to the Ark to ask for refuge when she was captured for a dark
purpose.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/27 Posted Author
Something's Cooking! Tue Jun 27 Corellon
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The Ark's cooks had, over the course of sending and going to
Haldresburg to purchase cooking supplies, learned of a locally renowned chef
by the name of Gendrew who lived outside of Haldresburg with his wizardess
wife. Entrusting Elan the halfling with a purse of coin, they sent him (and
Inconna, Howl, and Sarah) to Haldresburg to visit this chef and, hopefully,
purchase some new recipes from him. Tiana, the new local girl who'd come to
the ark, was asked to guide the Ark's party as she'd heard of this chef and
had an idea of where to find his home.
The trip to the chef's cottage was uneventful, but Elan noticed that
the smells coming from the cook's cottge were those of /burning/ food instead
of the smell of fine food being cooked -- as he'd expected. Alerted to the
possibility of trouble, the party entered the cottage on the alert. Inside,
they found the kitchen apparently ransacked and in a disastrous state. Locked
in the basement-pantry, they found (and destroyed) a beast made of living
pastry.
Wondering what had happened to the cottage's residents, they went to
the bedroom where they fought, and killed, an Imp who had tied Gendrew to the
bed and tortured him mercilessly for most of the day. Some time after the Imp
was defeated and Gendrew's wounds had been seen to, his wife returned home
from a trip to a far away city -- by teleporting directly into her own home.
The party from the Ark was profusely thanked by the wizardess for the defense
of her home and the rescue of her husband, rewarded with a half-dozen potions
-- and three dozen of Gendrew's recipes, including two of his finest.
Over the next several months, the quality of food on the Ark will
slowly start to improve as the Ark's cooks start acquiring the ingredients
necessary to make use of Gendrew's recipes -- no more will the people of the
Ark eat 'the same old, same old' day in and day out! Huzzah!
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/28 Posted Author
Thunder and spoiled water! Wed Jul 05 Corellon
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The Engines awoke today, with a clap of thunder and a flash of lightning!
Elan, Azathoth, and Salana were on guard duty when a young woman, Lauralee,
was thrown forth /from the pool at the bottom of the well/ into the Ark, along
with two creatures apparently made of sea-water.
The guards dispatched the water-creatures, but the Ark's supply of drinking
water at the bottom of the well was spoiled by the infusion of salt water. The
Ark's druids and priests are at work cleansing the water to make it once again
drinkable, but for the next day or two, the Ark's supply of drinking water is
'on ration', with all of it coming from what trickles forth from the fountain
statue at the top of the well.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/29 Posted Author
Lost snake? Fri Jul 07 The Doctor
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The Ark's cattle guards find a small viper. They nearly kill it out of hand,
when one of them recognizes it as the familiar of the wizard Dal'Niy. The
guard takes it back to the Ark...
The guards on the platform report that Dal'Niy went out "just taking a walk",
but never returned.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/30 Posted Author
Deacon's Council Trial Mon Jul 10 Corellon
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(OOC NOTE: This post is about a plot that happened in the past, just before
the beginning of Gronwin's 'mega-plot' that has taken several PCs away from
the Ark for an extended period of time. All PCs already present on the Ark
before that time would have IC knowledge of the events summarized in this
bbpost. The Doctor indicated that she will also be adding a log of the scene
to the MUSH's web page for everyone to read or re-read at their leisure.)
The Council convened and summoned the warforged who calls itself The Deacon
before it. The gatehouse crew (the Ark's guards) were in attendance --
whatever of them that could be spared from the various 'necessary' guard posts
and duties. All of the 'big names' of the Ark were also present: the elves
(Hayli, Tylan, Inconna, etc), Jones, Slash, Vale, Faiza, Kyliea, and others.
The council members showed up dressed in their finest -- and deadliest. Why,
even old Oskar dug out his armor and weapons for this, as if to show how
serious the matter was.
In the end, though many on the Ark were calling and whispering for the
destruction of the warforged so many consider a criminal, the council chose to
inject mercy into its decision on her fate.
The Deacon's been forced into indentured servitude to the Ark itself and is to
serve at the beck and call of the gatehouse crew, supervised directly by both
Brukal and the priest Jones. She's been given a ten-year indenture and warned
that she must prove herself in that time, or she'll likely be thrown off the
Ark to her doom. Disarmed, she'll be spending any time she doesn't spend
serving the gatehouse crew in a dungeon cell.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/31 Posted Author
Ghoul hunt Tue Jul 11 The Doctor
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A group of Ark adventurers (Chaza, Elan, Rathar, Sarah, and newcomer
Fellinore) go in search of whatever killed Dal'Niy. They find an abandoned
farmstead and graveyard, with a freshly excavated tunnel. At the end of the
tunnel, they find a ghoul and a ghast. After destroying the undead, the PCs
find a few remnants of Dal'Niy's clothing and possessions. They also find
other remains, including gear that apparently belonged to a member of Hawthorn
Abbey. (This is later confirmed by the Hawthorn Abbey mages studying the Ark.)
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/32 Posted Author
Water supply contaminated again Tue Jul 11 Xarxe
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xarxe bought a few interesting dried mushrooms while he was in Haldresburg. He
shared them with Rathar. The 'shrooms had an unfortunate side effect, and
though the halfling managed not to throw up in the fountain, the half-orc made
up for it and more. Chunks of orcish vomit now floating in the water. Another
day of "purify food and drink" for the druids and clerics...
==============================================================================
2006
==============================================================================
**** IC news, rumors, etc. ****
Message Posted By
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10/1 T Dancer remains comatose Sat Jul 15 The Doctor
10/2 T Spiders.. Uck.. Tue Jul 18 Genesis
10/3 T New arrivals! Tue Jul 18 The Doctor
10/4 T Depressed bard vanishes from Ark Mon Jul 31 The Doctor
10/5 T Ghosts and devils! Tue Aug 08 The Doctor
10/6 T Things... Mon Aug 14 The Doctor
10/7 T Scrolls, Scrolls, Scrolls! Tue Aug 15 Aoi
10/8 T Comings and goings Sun Sep 03 The Doctor
10/9 T Something evil is brewing. Wed Sep 13 Kestral
10/10 T Hjordis Haldresdottir Thu Sep 14 The Doctor
10/11 T news from afar! Thu Sep 14 Hayli
10/12 T Mail service! Thu Sep 14 The Doctor
10/13 T Trouble at the engine rooms Sun Sep 17 Kestral
10/14 T Announcement Sat Sep 23 Kestral
10/15 T Visitors! Tue Sep 26 The Doctor
10/16 T Donations Tue Sep 26 Jones
10/17 T Slash joins the guard Tue Sep 26 Slash
10/18 T Captain Brukal Wed Sep 27 The Doctor
10/19 T Guards Wed Sep 27 Xarxe
10/20 T Spell Fri Sep 29 Gronwin
10/21 T Neighbors: Baron Fitela Mon Oct 02 The Doctor
10/22 T Traveler's advisory! Tue Oct 10 The Doctor
10/23 T Supply run Sat Oct 14 Gronwin
10/24 T Barnacles!? Tree fey?! Mon Oct 16 The Doctor
10/25 T "Barnacles" found Sun Oct 29 The Doctor
10/26 Auction: Hand of the Mage Tue Dec 05 The Doctor
10/27 Council decision: Temple of Despai Thu Dec 07 The Doctor
10/28 Ballistae installed, woman rescued Sun Dec 10 The Doctor
10/29 Disappearance Thu Dec 14 Corellon
10/30 War Sun Dec 17 Genesis
10/31 news of Maria Evenstar Mon Dec 18 Corellon
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/1 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Dancer remains comatose Sat Jul 15 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anna, a young human dancer and prostitute at the Black Dragon, fell prey to a
mysterious illness or attack a couple of nights ago, and has yet to re-awaken,
despite the best efforts of the Ark's healers. No tracks or blood were found
in the back cellar where she collapsed, but the dust shows that there may have
been a brief struggle (but no sign of an assailant was found).
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/2 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Spiders.. Uck.. Tue Jul 18 Genesis
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After a landslide from a local cliffside shows a fissure leading into the
rock, large spiders began to issue forth.. While they were not a real danger
to the cattle herd, they were spooking them, and several of the hands were
bitten, requiring medical attention.
The intrepid band of Aoi, Salana, Xarxe, Kado, Rathar, Chaza, and Tiana
sallied forth into their den to destroy the spiders. Near the entrance, a
small horde of spiders attacked. And inside the odd hill, more spiders
attacked, before the group reached and killed the spider queen. A small amount
of coinage and some gemstones were found before the remains were burned off.
Inside the hill though, blocked by rubble, led two passageways. The roofing
above those two passageways look none too strong, but with some bracing,
perhaps they could be excavated, to see what futher treasures may await them..
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/3 (timeout warning) Posted Author
New arrivals! Tue Jul 18 The Doctor
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The Old Man sent three more Fools to join the Ark: Karsverr, R'Geast, and
Ch'rr'itik (a nezumi! A race only Kado had ever seen before): met by Aoi,
Chaza, Kado, and Tiana. A couple of small fiends were also dragged along...the
Ark's defenders killed them with only minor injuries (but enough poison to
paralyze Aoi!). One of the fiends was carrying a backpack, with platinum coins
and a message scroll: (In Abyssal): a fancy letter inviting a "Lord Sigur" to
visit a "Theomach Anisfire".
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/4 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Depressed bard vanishes from Ark Mon Jul 31 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yulia Nelivette, the bard who arrived from the Change Engines at the same time
as Fellinore, seems to have vanished. The Council wished to consult her
opinion on certain matters, but found her missing from her room. Rumor has it
that there was no sign of a struggle. She left nothing behind. Her bed hadn't
even been slept in.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/5 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Ghosts and devils! Tue Aug 08 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This afternoon (OOCly a week ago, so some editing of time required...), Sam
White (a tailor stricken with a fever) was resting in his bed in the keep when
he was apparently attacked by some hideous ghost! Hyan Luize (healer/sun
priest/Council member) found lingering traces of something undead. Sam claimed
it came out of the wall at him, and it seems to have vanished in the same way.
The Council has called for everyone to sleep in shifts, in the main keep, with
all the clerics keeping guard. Inconna, Sarah, and Slash (OOC: and other PCs,
if they happen to be online at the time when I continue the plot) are assigned
to go to Hawthorn Abbey and consult the druids/priests/mages there.
That night, just as they set out, they discover the lift attendent
mysteriously asleep at his post. Continuing down, they find that one cattle
guard is also asleep! And the other missing...until they track down his
gruesomely eviscerated corpse...poor Ponza. The sorcerer is dead, his raven
familiar nowhere to be seen, and strange symbols in blood scratched in the
dirt by his body --- symbols Hyan declares to be Infernal in origin. However,
none of them knows Infernal, so Hyan returns to the Ark in search of someone
who does, while the PCs continue on towards Hawthorn Abbey...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/6 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Things... Mon Aug 14 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ghosts and pixies and invisibles, oh my! The situation on the Ark remains
tense. One group of adventurers is away, the gods know where, another group is
consulting Hawthorn Abbey regarding the mysterious incorporeal undead (rumors
say that she is the bard who disappeared) who has been attacking the Ark.
Meanwhile, the Change Engines birth more arrivals, some friendly, some not...
A pixie this time, and a couple of humans (Grim, Deaton, and Siglund), a
dretch, and a phantom fungus. And something /else/ invisible...which according
to the pixie, flew away up the Well...and is presumably still somewhere near
the Ark, if not consumed by the Curse.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/7 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Scrolls, Scrolls, Scrolls! Tue Aug 15 Aoi
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aoi has spread word that she is able to create scrolls that will allow the
person casting them to see invisible creatures, to let the caster shoot a ray
specifically designed to harm the undead, to let the caster sense the presence
of undead, to surround unseen beings with a purple glow, and to coat unseen
beings in glittering dust -- in addition to being able to make scrolls for the
casting of other spells, as desired. As always, she'll charge rock-bottom
prices of her fellow Arkites in an effort to be of as much service as
possible. Pending the availability of supplies for the crafting of the
scroll(s) you want, cost may or may not need to be paid 'up front'.
(OOC: Spells mentioned above are See Invisibility, Disrupt Undead, Detect
Undead, Faerie Fire, and Glitterdust -- spells that might be of great use in
the current Ark situation. Aoi can make a scroll of /any/ 1st or 2nd level
spell, really.)
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/8 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Comings and goings Sun Sep 03 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three new Fools came aboard the Ark recently: one (Caith) a gnome from the
local gnome-kingdom down the river, the other two from the Change Engines:
Kestral, the sea-dog of an elf, and Splitpaw, the Bahamut-invoking kobold.
After rescuing the gnome, who was attacked on her way to the Ark by the
ghostly bard, the Ark's defenders resolve to set a trap for the ghost, with
Tiana as bait. This time, they catch the ghost in time, Chaza destroying it
with a blast of positive energy in the name of holy Pelor.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/9 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Something evil is brewing. Wed Sep 13 Kestral
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ark denizens went to Haldresburg after hearing some bad news at the Black
Dragon Tavern, some trader was talking about the strange way the folks were
acting in the closest settlement. Kestral, Aoi, Caith and Salana went to
check, only to return with something that went directly to the High Alchemist
lab. Gossip mongers are all gathering in the keep to learn what it is and what
it has to do with the faulty supply line.
<< OOC: Log disponible to stafer and readers in general at:
http://www.geocities.com/bubasti_br/ark-001.txt Just remember to copy/paste to
your notepad. IE is a bitch and doesn't wrap the lines, what makes it kinda
hard to read. >>
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/10 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Hjordis Haldresdottir Thu Sep 14 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...the local baron's daghter, is coming of age, an excuse for the family to
throw a big ogre-style party for it. This means he's invited nobles from up
and down the river, as well as giving the serfs a break and a free meal. This
is a major expenditure for the Baron, and he's buying stuff from all over,
including the Ark. The world being what it is, this is also a time of
heightened security and violence...
A group of Ark adventurers escorting one shipment of goods does indeed run
into a gang of bandits, but easily prevail, even rescuing some stolen birthday
presents for the baron's daughter.
The adventurers also bring back word from Haldresburg: the Baron is planning
to show off his lands to the other nobles, by taking them on a tour. The Ark
is to be one of the stops along the way. It is suggested by the Baron's human
advisor that the Arkites prepare something suitably impressive for the tour.
Rumors in the town say that the Baron's daughter has more than one suitor, at
least 2 of them serious, and trouble may come of this... another reason not to
look weak right now.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/11 (timeout warning) Posted Author
news from afar! Thu Sep 14 Hayli
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Hyan has posted copies of the following letter, delivered to her via a small
bird, in the most frequented places of the Ark.)
To the people of the Ark of Fools,
We are alive and well in our travels as we follow the map we found on the
mummy's wraps. There have been several dangerous moments, including a battle
against an invisible foe, another against a dragon, and yet another against a
vicious and deadly undead thing. Still, we've prevailed and we are all in good
spirits and good health.
Currently, we're pausing in our following of the map to try to help prevent
the invasion of Elsir Vale by an army of hobgoblins and giants led by a red
dragon -- all, apparently, following the evil dragon-goddess called Tiamat.
We're currently resting and recovering from our last few ordeals at Drellin's
Ferry, the first town on the path we believe the horde to be following.
While it seems that this horde is going away from the general area of the Ark
and from Haldresburg, it would be good to be wary of the possibility of the
horde going in that direction afterwards if the conquest of Elsir Vale should
succeed. We will do our best to send warning if that looks to be the case, of
course.
Fond thoughts and well-wishes to all on the Ark. May the morning light warm
you and keep you all safe.
Fare thee well, friends and family. I shall write again as the opportunity
presents itself.
-- Hayli
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/12 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Mail service! Thu Sep 14 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After receiving the messages, Skrags lets it be known that she is able to send
messages back to Hayli, if any should wish to, but it must be done within the
next day.
(OOC: @mail tai with requests)
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/13 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Trouble at the engine rooms Sun Sep 17 Kestral
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Again the engines show that the guard detachment should expect the unexpected.
A not so happy duo of dark skinned elven siblings was cast into the Ark,
instead of keeping their head cool they jumped over the watch: Kestral, Salana
and Szadek (joined by pure chance and luck by Caith). The newcomers were
defeated, but not before poisoning the smirking Swashbuckler. People saw
Kestral being carried to the Black Dragon, to rest in one of the back rooms.
<< OOC: Log disponible to stafer and readers in general at:
http://www.geocities.com/bubasti_br/ark-002.txt Just remember to copy/paste to
your notepad. IE is a bitch and doesn't wrap the lines, what makes it kinda
hard to read. >>
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/14 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Announcement Sat Sep 23 Kestral
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
People of the Ark,
We, the ruling council, represented in this missive by High Priestess Luize
and High Alchemist Wensel came to announce that:
The substance found by the group that went to investigate the small hamlet
drop on food supply is evil by essence. After long testing we discovered that
this is a very powerfull hallucinogen that come from one of the infernal
planes, it enslaves the mind and the body of those who get it in your
bloodstream. This material is very dangerous for life as we know it.
So, by the power invested on us, and having the wellbeing of the Ark's citizen
as our goal, we're declaring this a forbidden substance. Everyone that find
this muck shall alert the Gatehouse Crew or the Priests of Pelor, so we can
collect and dispose it. Everyone found in possession of such muck, without the
intention to deliver it to the competent authorities and already addicted,
shall be taken to the Temple of Pelor hospital for treatment. Everyone found
selling this evil material shall be placed in the stocks as an example for
everyone else and then banned from the Ark. We all know what happens if a
person is cast away from home, may Pelor have mercy on their souls.
By our hand,
The Council.
This document shall be attached in every common room of the Ark, and heralds
or bards shall read then aloud for those who can't read.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/15 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Visitors! Tue Sep 26 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The local baron (Haldre) and various other ogre magi barons visit the Ark, as
part of Haldre's daughter's coming-of-age celebrations. The gift-giving
portion of the program is interupted as the gift from neighboring baron Fitela
(intentionally? unintentionally? Some say Fitela looked surprised, whether
because the gift was prematurely opened or because he didn't know what it was)
turns out to be a swarm of flesh-burrowing golden beetles (experts later
identify them as hoard scarabs, symbiotic bugs that live in dragon hoards).
Just then (coincidentally?) there is an alarm from Ark sentries: DRAGON
APPROACHING! Two other of Fitela's supposed human servants cast glitterdust
spells on the ogre magi barons before quaffing invisibility potions (later
attempts to track them has the trail ending at the edge of the Ark). At this
point the dragon (large! green!) flies into view. It declares disdain for the
Treaty and targets Fitela for its ire, for whatever reason. The dragon is
attacked by all and sundry (those not panicked) to little apparent effect.
Fitela flees in gaseous form. The other barons decamp shortly, losing one of
their ogre goons to the beetles (or rather, the other goons' attempts at
de-bugging: dousing the victim in oil and setting him on fire).
Inconna raises questions about the apparent dragon attack, and Baron Haldre
assigns her the task of getting to the bottom of all this.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/16 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Donations Tue Sep 26 Jones
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jones..that massive man of metal..is out and about with the council's
blessing looking for donations to get enough money together to build a few
balista or catapults for the defense of the Ark. After this last dragon
'attack' it's now blatently clear that such defenses are needed. All domations
welcome. No amount too little or too large! Contact Jones to donate.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/17 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Slash joins the guard Tue Sep 26 Slash
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After the almost-battle with the dragon and the ruination of the visit by the
ogre barons, Slash stomped up to the captain of the guards and said, in his
succinct way, "I's beings guard now."
So now the Ark's guard-force is richer by a big, mean (and cute as a button,
though he tries his best to look menacing) gnoll warrior.
OOC: Slash is being retired and shifted to NPC status.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/18 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Captain Brukal Wed Sep 27 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After the dragon attack, the Council decided to inspect the Guards at the
Gatehouse to check on the Ark's defenses. In the process, they discovered that
Captain Doyle had been embezzling the funds meant for equipment upgrades and
siege engines. Doyle is demoted and Brukal promoted as the the new Captain of
the Guards.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/19 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Guards Wed Sep 27 Xarxe
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Slash seems to have set a new fashion. Xarxe, too, goes and joins the Ark's
guards. Not as eloquent as Slash, he just grins and swears he's no thief,
unlike certain other half-orcs on the Ark. And stays out of Doyle's way after
that. (OOC note: I'm retiring Xarxe to the NPC ranks.)
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/20 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Spell Fri Sep 29 Gronwin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jones is offically letting it be known that he is willing to teach his newly
researched spell to those willing to learn and for the still price of 1000gp.
The spell is called Unseen Crafter and is much like the arcane Unseen servant
spell. It will take at least 2 weeks time to learn. Those wishing to see the
affects of this spell need only step into the Smith area and watch the spell
at work. Contact Jones for more info.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/21 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Neighbors: Baron Fitela Mon Oct 02 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...of Solfell apparently escaped the dragon chasing him. Rumors say that he
has holed up underground, after dismissing or executing most of his human
servitors, even going after their families. A few are supposed to have escaped
into rebel/outlaw groups.
Meanwhile, Baron Haldre has announced that the Treaty holds: the Wyrmwood
disclaims all knowledge of this supposed green dragon. Despite the
announcement, tensions remain on all sides.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/22 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Traveler's advisory! Tue Oct 10 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the Ark's hunters (Arvid) and some adventurers (Anayra, Inconna, Jones,
and Tiana) came back from some hunting trip to report an aggressive swarm of
poisonous, stony bubbles coming out from a sinkhole near a stream west of the
Ark. Ark experts identified it as "Vilefroth Gemroot", a rare aberration
normally found in deep caverns, sought after because they prefer to lair on
gemstones. They warn all residents to stay far away from any other swarms
spotted, as they are highly dangerous.
Ark residents are also reminded to mark any stray assassin vines with bright
paint to render them visible. (Arvid reported one found on this trip.)
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/23 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Supply run Sat Oct 14 Gronwin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The word quickly spreads about the Ark that Jones and a group
comprised of adventurers..Kado, Caith, Aoi, Rathar and Siglund..went to pay
for the supplies needed to create the three new balista for the Ark's
defenses. It's well that such a large and diverse group went as the wagons
were attacked on the way to town and Jones himself was magiced out of
commission quickly. Still the group defeated the ogres and spellcasting goblin
handily and the supplies were obtained. Even now Jones and other volunteers
are assembling the weapons in the courtyard.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/24 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Barnacles!? Tree fey?! Mon Oct 16 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wensel (alchemist and head of the Mage Guild), after reporting an anonymous
note warning about scraping "barnacles" off the "hull" of the Ark, was struck
by sudden unease about the unexplored bottom side of the Ark. Since the flying
members of the Council happened to be away on other business, he rounded
whoever was available...planning to build a platform in the highest tree under
the Ark and setting a watch to start with.
The highest tree turns out to be inhabited by some kind of tree fey (one
apparently named "Krmfferfeff"), forcing them to back off /that/ plan for now.
Perhaps the fey can be talked to...the group comes back with assorted peace
offerings, and honey-tongued Tatallion (a local exile who's joined his fate
with the Ark) convinces the fey to let the Arkites borrow the use of the tree
for three days.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/25 (timeout warning) Posted Author
"Barnacles" found Sun Oct 29 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(OOC: this happened last Monday's session) Wensel's observers (with the help
of the tree-fey) locate a secret door hidden on the bottom of the Ark.
Investigating the matter, they find a cave dug into the rock, inhabited by a
quasit and a patch of a strange plant called "Boccob's baneflowers". These
flowers, which emit a soporiphic hum, feed on magical auras, with supplemental
nutrition from living creatures. A strange halfling (Aud) was found sleeping
under the flowers. Wensel, Murgen, and Lugh have the flowers taken back to a
quarantined basement lab for further study.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/26 Posted Author
Auction: Hand of the Mage Tue Dec 05 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wensel is sponsoring an auction on behalf of the adventurers who found this
item.
Description: A small hand carved out of bone on a thin bronze chain. Enchanted
with the convenient "mage hand" cantrip.
Please send bids to Wensel.
OOC: I will run this like an eBay auction. Please @mail me ("tai") with "bid"
in the subject line, with your /maximum/ bid. I will keep the current high bid
in my +finger. The bid increment is 20 gp. (So if A bids 100 gp, B bids 200
gp, the ending bid is 120 gp). The auction will end midnight EST on Wed. Dec
20. If you are outbid, you are free to @mail me with a new, higher bid. Only
PCs currently at the Ark may bid. The proceeds will be split up among the
group that found the item.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/27 Posted Author
Council decision: Temple of Despai Thu Dec 07 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's a non-decision. After more debate, the Ark's governing council announces
that it neither supports nor opposes an attack on the Temple of Despair (there
are undead known to be there, yes, but the danger to the Ark is balanced by
possible benefits...some on the Council see the temple as a potential tool
against the ogre Barons. Also, the risk of attacking is thought to be moderate
to high for the attackers.) Thus they will not forbid anyone who wants to
destroy the undead, but neither will they allocate any of the Ark's public
resources for it.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/28 Posted Author
Ballistae installed, woman rescued Sun Dec 10 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Jones (with the assistance of Chaza and Tatallion) was installing the
ballistae he has finished making for the Ark's defense, the group spotted an
embattled rider coming in from the east. Upon reaching the scene, they found
the woman and her mount paralyzed, after an attack by a giant hornet-thing
(later identified as a spider-eater). They kill the spider-eater and take the
woman and her mount back, to be temporarily housed under the Ark. After some
spells of healing, the woman identifies herself as "Kaya
Pritchard"...apparently she had been on her way to the Ark (why? not yet
determined...). The eggs extracted from Kaya's horse were re-implanted by the
druid Skrags into one of the cattle. Skrags explains that the spider-eaters
can be trained as mounts, and the Ark needs some flying mounts...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/29 Posted Author
Disappearance Thu Dec 14 Corellon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maria Evenstar, having been sent as an emisarry of the Ark to Haldresburg, has
been reported by the Baron's men as never having arrived there. She's been
gone from the Ark for a full three weeks, now, and speculation runs rampant
that if she didn't meet her end by some other means that the Curse claimed
her. However, there is nothing to substantiate these speculations, as no one
has heard or seen anything of her since she left the Ark those three weeks ago
on the Council's errand...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/30 Posted Author
War Sun Dec 17 Genesis
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The visitor known as Kaya was introduced to the council this evening.
Addressing the council in a hesitant voice, she announced that Granmar
of Grindir was displeased with not being wed to the Baron's daughter.. and was
not used to failing to get something he wanted. War between the barons is
coming. Her group, apparently, wants to strike at the winner, in his weakened
state, to win freedom for the humans of the area.
She said she'd been sent, to request our neutrality in this conflict..
That if we could not swear to let Granmar's troops pass freely, we would be
seen as a stronghold of Haldre and attacked.
The council's reaction was one of outrage. This is not our business,
and it should be plainly said. But war may be coming to the Ark. The druids
and clerics of the ark are making preparations to widen the shelters within
the stone of the Ark. All are asked to help in gathering foodstuffs and water,
to stock the Ark for Seige.
The council, in keeping with the promises made to the Baron, have
dispatched a message of warning to him of the impending trouble, and declaring
the Ark's neutrality in this conflict.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/31 Posted Author
news of Maria Evenstar Mon Dec 18 Corellon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A messenger has arrived from Haldresburg, having apparently 'crossed paths'
with the recently-dispatched messenger /to/ the Baron from the Ark.
This messenger came bearing bad news:
"To the Ark:
Honor be to your dead. Your emissary, Maria Evenstar, and her guards
have fallen in battle in defense of our farmfolk. Before they died, they
repelled an incursion of monstrous insect beasts from the underearth. Our
scouts have recovered what remains they found of their bodies, to be returned
to you or to be set to the pyre as the Ark sees fit. May all your warriors
meet as brave a death! Haldresburg thanks you for your sacrifice.
-- Baron Haldre"
Oskar himself marched out into Grimstone Square, in the midst of the defensive
preparations no one hopes will be needed, to tack the letter from the Baron,
with his dagger, to the wooden post where news is typically posted. That done,
he used a nail to attach another note:
"Black Dragon Tavern seeks employee to take over the duties of Parlor Madame."
News of Maria's death spreads quickly throughout the populace of the Ark.
==============================================================================
RL YEAR: 2007
==============================================================================
**** IC news, rumors, etc. ****
Message Posted By
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/1 T Invaders repelled Sat Dec 30 The Doctor
10/2 T Reports from the Temple of Despair Tue Jan 09 The Doctor
10/3 T Cranium Rats infest the Ark! Sat Jan 13 Lina
10/4 T Cranium Rats Exterminated? Sat Jan 13 Lina
10/5 T the bard gets shot down! Mon Jan 15 Anayra
10/6 T Holder of the Lyre & other odditie Tue Jan 16 The Doctor
10/7 T death at the Engine Fri Jan 19 Corellon
10/8 T Wands Sat Jan 20 Faiza
10/9 T Undead?! Tue Jan 23 Lina
10/10 T Did you hear? Tue Jan 23 Lina
10/11 T Legal Slave? Wed Jan 24 Gronwin
10/12 T Magic Items Sun Jan 28 Aoi
10/13 T Life on the Ark... Mon Jan 29 The Doctor
10/14 T Demons of the Ark Fri Feb 02 The Doctor
10/15 T Life on the Ark...II Mon Feb 05 The Doctor
10/16 T Portal in the well? Fri Feb 09 The Doctor
10/17 T Down the rabbit hole! Tue Feb 13 The Doctor
10/18 T Standing Requests Tue Feb 13 Elan
10/19 T Items for sale Thu Feb 15 The Doctor
10/20 T Dinner's On! Thu Feb 15 Brisingr
10/21 T Greed! Death! Demon! Fri Feb 16 The Doctor
10/22 T New World Curse? Fri Feb 16 The Doctor
10/23 T Exploration Sat Feb 17 The Doctor
10/24 T Cursed World Sun Feb 18 Daslyf
10/25 T Greystone Hunt! Mon Feb 19 Corellon
10/26 T Ark Quarter! Mon Feb 19 Corellon
10/27 T Standing orders part 2 Mon Feb 19 Elan
10/28 T The evil door Mon Feb 19 Elan
10/29 T Hunt! Contact! Tue Feb 20 The Doctor
10/30 T huzzar! The workers are done! Wed Feb 21 Lighttouch
10/31 T Greystone fieldworks (OOC) Thu Feb 22 Corellon
10/32 T Further orders Thu Feb 22 Elan
10/33 T Boggle hunts Sun Feb 25 The Doctor
10/34 T Greystone Fieldworks done! Mon Feb 26 Anayra
10/35 T Berry-hunting ends tragically Sun Mar 04 The Doctor
10/36 T Adventurer's death Wed Mar 07 Adurven
10/37 T Two-headed dog Sat Mar 10 The Doctor
10/38 T Exploration results Tue Mar 27 Elan
10/39 T wraith hunt Tue Mar 27 Anayra
10/40 T Meeting with the Cat folk Mon Apr 02 Lighttouch
10/41 T New Arrival Thu Apr 12 Corellon
10/42 T newcomers Fri Apr 13 Gren
10/43 T Storm elementals Sat Apr 14 The Doctor
10/44 T Current Orders Mon Apr 16 Elan
10/45 T Orders as they stand Sat Apr 21 Elan
10/46 T Raising the dead! Tue Apr 24 The Doctor
10/47 T Altercation in Town Square! Sun Apr 29 Gren
10/48 T New Smith Sun Apr 29 Nobu
10/49 T Adventurers sought Fri May 04 The Doctor
10/50 a message and a mission Thu May 17 Corellon
10/51 Missing hunters found dead Tue May 22 The Doctor
10/52 Heros home! Sat May 26 Gronwin
10/53 Blood-drenched night Sun Jun 03 The Doctor
10/54 Reincarnation and Curse Mon Jun 04 The Doctor
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/1 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Invaders repelled Sat Dec 30 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Ark, unhappily drawn into the deadly conflict between the local baron
(Haldre) and this Granmar of Grindir, join in the battles, holding back the
ogres and their cohorts until Haldre's forces were able to muster great enough
numbers to crush the invaders just outside Haldresburg. The Ark suffered some
losses, including the halfling warlock Rathar. Arkites distinguished
themselves in the fighting, with Haldre sending a letter of commendation and a
gift of an heirloom harp with magical properties (OOC: Lyre of Building)
presented to the Ark's governing council.
==============================================================================
RL YEAR: 2007
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/2 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Reports from the Temple of Despair Tue Jan 09 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A group of Arkites made another trip to the Temple of Despair to speak to the
Okt sur Khrando, the undead priest who is the guardian of the crypts there.
After a few misadventures along the way concerning ambushes and leeches in
ponds, the group arrived safely at the temple. The Okt extracted his price for
his information (one kiss from Adina --- apparently a fallen succubus), then
started with the magico-technobabble.
Log here: http://www.trailing-edge.com/~cchang/ark/log-8-jan-2007.txt
Afterwards, the warlock Faiza, who took notes, gave a report to the Council,
who share the information with anyone who asks.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/3 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Cranium Rats infest the Ark! Sat Jan 13 Lina
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concerning the problems of the stocks, there have been reports of rats in the
foodstores. Not just rats, but Cranium rats! These dangerous critters look
like normal rats, save they have bulging brains and an eerie glow in their
eyes when in groups. Alone they are mere rats, but together they can cast
spells and psionic abilities! Beware, check your stores, and make sure they
are rat free! The supplies are little enough on the Ark without their trouble.
However, thanks to a few newcomers and some older residents, the rats in the
keep and the Black Dragon inn have been taken care of, although the bouncer
and the bartender were burned and bitten. However, there are rumors some still
exist, as well as rumors of a GIANT rat digging a hole from the well! The Ark
is still on alert, but there are adventurers still on the case. One other
rumor is heard that the newest member Tickanter leapt upon the giant rat's
back, wrestled it down and killed it in one blow to it's engorged brain.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/4 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Cranium Rats Exterminated? Sat Jan 13 Lina
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This evening, it appears the threat of the Cranium rats has ended with the
finding of their lair. They seemed to have tunneled beneath the Black Dragon
and the Well, putting a rather large set of caves for their breeding grounds.
After a hard fight, Lina, Kelann, and Caith managed to clear them out. Rumor
has it that the body of the Mother rat faded out of existance after she was
defeated..with a promise to return. It was unlikely she survived her wounds,
however. Others aided in previous cleansings when the infestation broke out,
but for now, the Ark is Cranium rat free! And it's also on the menu.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/5 (timeout warning) Posted Author
the bard gets shot down! Mon Jan 15 Anayra
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That hot elf-chick, the one who dressed in the bikini? Yeah, her... she was in
the Dragon today, looking pretty as ever and drinking some wine. That new
half-elf fella, the one with the mandolin, he was there, too, eyeing her up
and down from the bar. After a while, she turned around and called him a
'half-breed' and it hit him so hard, he popped a string! She stomped out and
he went after her -- boy has brass balls, I tellya.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/6 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Holder of the Lyre & other odditie Tue Jan 16 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Council held auditions in Grimstone Hall yesterday morning, hearing
performances by the Ark's resident bards, including Kelann and Tickanter.
Tickanter was chosen, and officially appointed Holder of the Lyre, and given
custody of the Ark's Lyre of Building. Told to practice it somewhere safely
away from the Ark before attempting to exercise its arcane magic for home
improvements, Tickanter and a group of guards/curious bystanders went to a
clearing a mile or two away. They came back reporting some success, but the
trial was cut short by the unfortunate excavation of a hostile, magical ooze.
Luckily, the Arkites were able to dispatch it without suffering injuries.
Strangely enough, when they returned, the elven Anayra had turned into a drow!
Her companions are tight-mouthed about the incident, so if anyone wants
details, they might try asking Anayra herself. Or perhaps not...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/7 (timeout warning) Posted Author
death at the Engine Fri Jan 19 Corellon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Change Engine was a scene of battle and death, today. Eight Ark guardsmen,
led by a corporal, were on duty there when a pack of deadly lizard-things
leapt out, catching them by surprise. Two guardsmen fell before any of them
could even draw their weapons. The corporal ordered one guardsman, Robert,
away to get reinforcements. Running to the top of the well, he was felled by
one of the lizard-beasts that had pursued him... but not before some of the
Ark's adventurers came to his aid. His life saved by the healing of Caith and
Chaza, he and they, as well as Salana and Lina, went down to pursue the one
(of three) lizard-things that fled back down into the well.
At the bottom of the well, they discovered an ambush of other lizard-things
waiting for them. A fierce battle with a surprisingly canny enemy began. Lina
was almost felled, but for Pelor's healing grace, channeled through Chaza. In
the end, the battle turned suddenly when Caith used her magic to render most
of the beasts incapacitated and unable to continue. The one that remained
active was quickly felled, and the helpless ones put to the blade.
Seven guardsmen were killed in the defense of the Ark. Their remains have been
collected, burned upon a pyre, and will be (once the pyre burns completely
down) interred in the Cairn, below, with the other fallen Arkites. At the
funeral, Captain Brukal gave Robert a promotion to the rank of Corporal,
saying that he'd earned it by avenging his fallen shield-mates. The new
corporal was allowed to light the pyre by his own hand.
The war-forged priest, Jones, identified the things as a sort of raptor --
although he also specified that he'd never seen a raptorian quite like these,
he did mention that he's seen and heard of larger, more deadly, creatures of
the sort. The scholars of the Mage's Guild suppose Jones' words, saying that
these are, indeed, some of the smaller of their kind -- but that this type is
none the less deadly, for their cunning and relatively high intelligence.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/8 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Wands Sat Jan 20 Faiza
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Faiza, who works as an alchemist at the Mage Guild, announces that she has
researched the creation of wands. She is willing to make wands for Arkites,
with the assistance of others to help with the spellcasting. If the buyer
supplies the essence, she will not charge anything extra (just the materials
cost). If she supplies the essence, she charges 1 gp/XP.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/9 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Undead?! Tue Jan 23 Lina
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday the excursion to town by a number of the Ark residents went well,
until the end. They shopped for supplies and clothes, and nothing really went
wrong except for a couple of Boggles harrying the cart on it's way back.
However, it is evident that one should not balk the curse, or be half hearted
in their oaths. No second thoughts are allowed - either you are sure or you
are not The curse took one of the residents - Lina. But it did not take her in
the way of horrible death - instead it seems to have inflicted a new curse
upon her as punishment. The locals are whispering about her strange new
appearance, and insidious necromancy which surrounded her as it attempted to
pull her soul from her body for not deigning to return when she was due. If
not for Kado and the efforts of those pulling the lift, she may have whisked
away to nothing - though some think that may have been a better alternative.
Some whisper she has become one of the undead, or she has been possessed.
Others just figure it is a reminder that they cannot be flighty with their
convictions, and that the newcomer learned her lesson and bore the mark.
Nonetheless, many people agree that they lost an old resident, and gained a
new one.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/10 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Did you hear? Tue Jan 23 Lina
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you hear? When they offered that girl food when she said she was starving,
She took the sausage they gave her and she tore into it like a wild animal! I
swear, I thought she was going to eat it, and the whole lot of them whole the
way she ate that. She must have realized and ate the stuff that wasnt meat to
pass herself off as normal... seriously, that ran a shiver down my spine it
did. And those -eyes-. I looked at her, and she looked at me, and I couldnt
look away.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/11 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Legal Slave? Wed Jan 24 Gronwin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following conversation heard between two women in the keep
kitchen..
"Have you heard about that trollip down in the Black Dragon? You know
the one..in charge of the 'parlor'." The second, "Why no, dear. Now what's she
gone and done? Pranced through the dinn'n hall naked?" The first, "No no.
She's gone and somehow made a slave out of that nice young girl with the funny
language and eyes. The one in that short silk robe?" the second, "WHAT?! How
can that be? Ain't no slavery allowed on the Ark from what I heard tell. How'd
that hussy mannage that!?" The first, "Well seems she and that Kado fellow
and..Kamiwa. That's the girls' name! Kamiwa! Seems they all went to the
council with a story and a piece of paper. They said the girl /wanted/ to be a
slave. Rubbish, says I. Still after a long time arguing the council agreed
apparently. Said something about having a precident. Foolishness." The second,
"Why that poor girl! I feel so sorry for her. We should get our men to ban
that 'parlor'. Nothing but a den of hussies!"
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/12 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Magic Items Sun Jan 28 Aoi
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aoi, the Mage Guild's resident artificer, has made it known through the Ark
that she is both buying and selling magical items. She's also made it known
that she's now able to enchant weapons and armors for reasonable rates, in
addition to her being able to make scrolls, potions, and wondrous items. As
it's told, she'll buy nearly /any/ magical item -- assuming she can afford it
at the time it's offered.
(OOC: I'll offer at /least/ half of the item's "book" value, when buying an
item from you. Just come down at talk to me, ICly, for more info or to try to
haggle a better price.)
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/13 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Life on the Ark... Mon Jan 29 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The weather continues cold and blustery, with snow in piles in the courtyard
and down below. Most people huddle by the big fire in the Keep, or down in the
tavern or bath house, wishing the weather would get warmer.
They aren't the only ones. A pack of boggles seems to have found the Ark. They
pop in and out at random in the Keep, making a nuisance of themselves and
stealing things when they aren't hiding in warm cabinets in the kitchen or
upstairs in someone's bedroll.
News from afield: Skrags the druid announces that she has received a messenge
sent via bird from Hayli, who is now in Elsir Vale. It reads: Tylan and I are
married. P.S.: I got Sviar to /dance/! ;)"
What /is/ that strange creature hanging around the tavern? Oh...it's a what? A
KRENSHAR? I see...why is it wearing armor? Can it really talk?...Oh...it can?
Some among the Arkites complain of an intermittent high-pitched whine. They
can't pinpoint a source --- it seems to come from everywhere, but only aboard
the Ark. (DC 20 Listen check to notice it.)
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/14 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Demons of the Ark Fri Feb 02 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, those spider-eaters finally hatched, and the weather being too cold
outside for them, Skrags asked Tickanter to dig out a big cavern for them
inside the Ark, starting from the tunnels made by the cranium rats. No rats
were seen, but the excavations uncovered a trio of hideous humanoid looking
demons (Lina called them 'wrackspawn'), which rabidly attacked the Arkites.
Tickanter, Lina, Kogorca, Caith, and Aoi managed to destroy them, but more of
them were seen trying to dig themselves out of the rocks.
Slash arrived and shut off the area until it could be inspected by the Guards
and the Council. Hyan Luize and Wensel were in there for quite awhile...
Meanwhile, those on the Ark find it SINKING! It goes down about 4' before it
settles, slowly, barely noticeable except by the lift workers and the tree
fey...Krmfferfeff, who appeared briefly to shake a fist and complain to the
Arkites as his tree is directly underneath...
Later, Hyan and Wensel report that there are many more "demons" trapped inside
the solid stone of the Ark. They say that these are not true wrackspawn, but
something very similar. They tried communicating with them, but the demons'
minds were too wracked with pain to speak of anything but the inflicting of
more pain, and a plea for the release of death. Hyan wanted to kill them (to
free them from their horrible torture), but Wensel warned that they seemed to
be part of the magic holding the Ark aloft. Related to this were the multitude
of valuable gemstones also embedded in the stone. They still carry the imprint
of magic on them, although the auras on the ones that were already hacked out
with the slain demons soon faded...The Council is still discussing the matter,
and any Arkites who have any information or advice are asked to speak up.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/15 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Life on the Ark...II Mon Feb 05 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centipedes in the well! A swarm of centipedes came through the Change Engines
along with a strange frosty dwarf calling himself Sleet. The guards lured the
centipedes into the cistern...leaving a clean-up problem, easily solved with
some help from Wensel's unseen servants and a purification spell or two. The
kitchen announces that its special for the next couple of days will be
"Centipede Soup".
Katet joins the guards fulltime, helping to make up for some of their recent
losses.
More arrivals! Another dwarf, this one a mage of some kind, a strange-looking
humanoid (Ferzth), and two greenish hags calling themselves "U" and "V"...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/16 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Portal in the well? Fri Feb 09 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Old Man has, disturbingly, seemed to have spread his influence over more
of the Ark. A wave of darkness and confusion hits the floating rock, along
with strange elemental swarms... enough to take the lives of eleven Arkites
and injuring many more.
When the chaos subsided, a gaping hole was found where the cistern at the
bottom of the well used to be. It now lives up to its nickname of "the Empty
Well"! It seems to lead through a strange reversal of gravity to a different
world...as was found out when both Chaza and Lina fell or jumped in... A more
prepared expedition is planned soon... (OOC: Scheduled for Monday evening, Feb
12.)
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/17 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Down the rabbit hole! Tue Feb 13 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...or at least the Well. The Arkites mount an expedition to explore the far
side of the newly opened portal at the bottom of the Empty Well. After fixing
some ropes and ladders to overcome the change in gravity, the explorers climb
out the other side of the well to find a courtyard of a keep, strewn with dead
soldiers: human, elven, and warforged. OOC: retcon to include the nonhumans
All show expressions of pain but lack visible injuries. Hearing screams, the
Arkites head out to find a town, the townsfolk being attacked by dinosaurs!
They split into two groups to deal with each one separately. Ex-Guardsman
Robert is killed by what they learn later is called a "fleshraker". Leon, the
druid only recently restored from petrification, narrowly escapes death, the
townsfolk managing to drive off the fleshraker that the Arkites had already
badly wounded, and after that sending out a healer to help him. Alas, too late
for Robert. On the other side of town, the Arkites slay the megaraptor, Lina
rescuing a newly orpaned child, resulting in a surprising "adoption" by the
strangely altered ex-Sigilian.
After a meeting in the town square with the local residents, who report that
they themselves are newly arrived in this world (their entire town
mysteriously uprooted and transplanted!), the Arkites agree to take the place
of the slain garrison in defending Greystone Village. Elan, now promoted to
Sergeant, is stationed in the new keep and town by Captain Brukal as the
acting commander.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/18 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Standing Requests Tue Feb 13 Elan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elan has accepted the promotion, and is moving, as much as the Ark allows for,
into the new space to start trying to set it up for better defense.
He's put in a request for some assistance from anyone with the time and
willingness to help:
Clerics: There's lots of bodies in need of funeral rites and a bit of
insurance to make sure none rise as undead might be useful. Investigation by
those knowledgeable about what kind of creatures can kill from fear or pain
would be useful too. The people will also be in need of clerical healing and
diplomacy.
Craftsmen: Elan wants to make building a quick-construct fence of pointed
stakes a high priority. Build a wide perimeter fence to keep dinosaurs out of
the town proper, and then start looking into building a more permanent wall
and gate once the quick defense is built. Other structures would be welcome,
but first priority is ditches and a makeshift spear wall.
Able bodies: To assist the clerics, we need people to move bodies and work on
a funeral pyre before the dead attract scavenging dinosaurs or disease.
Guards: The fence builders and body movers will need at least minimal guards
per shift, and Elan would like some of the faster people to assist him in
maintaining a patrol until rough defenses are constructed.
In all cases save the last, townspeople are also being recruited to help
defend their own town and do the necessary work, so it won't just be Arkites.
Anyone with diplomatic skills are urged to assist as well in establishing good
relations and trade, and helping the people through these difficult times.
Volunteers for any of these duties are urged to contact Elan.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/19 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Items for sale Thu Feb 15 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wensel is offering the following items for sale:
scroll:A1/mage_armor (15 gp)
scroll:A3/magic_missile (40 gp)
2 x scroll:A3/invisibility (80 gp each)
MW buckler (90 gp)
MW rapier (170 gp)
(OOC: @mail tai if you want to buy something. First come, first serve.)
Update: Magic missile and 1 invis. scroll have been sold.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/20 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Dinner's On! Thu Feb 15 Brisingr
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seems that there is fresh meat on the dinner menu tonight, as Tallasheena,
Leon and Brisingr brought some home - along with a tale of a couple of
Bugbears on the prowl of their hunting route! They are fine specimens, able to
feed many.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/21 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Greed! Death! Demon! Fri Feb 16 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The recently arrived Arkites, half-orcs Tovi and Taisa, apparently succumb to
greed: while on guard duty with Katet, they turn on him and murder the warrior
in cold blood. They then break down the barrier to the newly dug cavern, and
start digging for gems. They also manage to unearth one of the wrackspawn
demons trapped in the stone...
Luckily, Arkites up in the Black Dragon notice something amiss, and stop demon
and half-orcs alike. The half-orcs are granted a cursory hearing by Captain
Brukal, who then orders them taken under the Ark and executed.
The Ark sinks another 18 inches or so...
The Council confiscates the rubies excavated by the thieves, for research
purposes, hoping to learn more about the spell holding the Ark aloft.
Meanwhile, they use magic to seal off the cavern, and also ban non-residents
from the Ark for now. They have the bard Tickanter use the Lyre of Building to
build a large trade center to the east of the Ark, near the road to
Haldresburg.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/22 (timeout warning) Posted Author
New World Curse? Fri Feb 16 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Or not...? After a few days have passed in the world past the portal at the
bottom of the Well, those from the Ark who have stayed there the longest may
notice that they are strangely free of the compulsion to return... Usually it
kicks in by now.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/23 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Exploration Sat Feb 17 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A party of Arkites (Adurven, Daslyf, Kitsune, and Lighttouch) ventures into
the world beyond the portal, scouting out the nearby plains near the town.
They find a small watering hole about a 1/2 mile west of Greystone Village,
along with some antelope. Also a fleshraker dinosaur --- by its ijuries, the
very same one which had attacked the town and killed Robert! At last the
Arkites had their revenge, but not without peril, as Daslyf narrowly escaped
death under the vicious envenomed claws... The group returns with the body, as
well as that of a viper that attacked them later, and a water sample for
analysus. They also report finding a broken warforged half-buried in the grass
and dirt near the water hole...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/24 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Cursed World Sun Feb 18 Daslyf
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After exploring a bit further from the watering hole discovered recently, a
group of Arkites- Lighttouch, No-tail, Anayra, Gorm, and Daslyf- have
discovered a slab of stone with the symbol of Vecna over it. After deciding to
inform the council of this, they decide to retreat. Having retreated from the
area, Anayra has a stroke of both bravery, follhardyness, and genius. Knowing
of the oddness of the Curse in the world- that it seemingly has no effect-
Anayra breaks her vow to return- in fact, she vehemently states that she
wishes to remain there. And nothing happens. Apparently the Curse either
doesn't work in this world, or the world is somehow Cursed in it's entirety.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/25 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Greystone Hunt! Mon Feb 19 Corellon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council, at the request of the elders of Greystone Village, have
authorized a hunting trip. A small party of Arkite hunters are to go down to
the recently-discovered watering hole for the purpose of laying in wait for
appropriate prey so as to bring some meat to the townsfolk to help augment
their food supplies as well as those of the Ark itself. (With regards to other
discoveries in that area, the Council has given a stiff 'And this is ONLY a
hunting expedition!' order-- although they will confirm that they are
discussing otherwise.)
OOC: Plot time is 7:30pm CENTRAL time. Will begin when at least six persons
are online and ready to go. Will wait til no later than 8pm if needed. Late
additions will be authorized by page only. Please do not simply walk into the
scene. All levels are, of course, welcome. Just keep in mind that I won't pull
punches if you take on more than you can chew!
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/26 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Ark Quarter! Mon Feb 19 Corellon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The residents and leaders of the town of Greystone in the other world have set
aside an area of their residential area specifically for use by Arkites who
wish to make themselves more regular home-like accomodations, there.
OOC: Apply to Corellon via @mail for housing there.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/27 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Standing orders part 2 Mon Feb 19 Elan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For anyone looking to have things to do in Greystone in downtime, there's a
standing order. You don't need to ask Elan's permission each time, and if
you're bored and 'on duty' without something specific to do, here it is:
1. Bring wood from the surrounds of the Ark
2. Sharpen the ends of wooden sticks into stakes.
3. Get villagers to help haul wood or cut stakes.
4. Organize NPCs - villagers, Arkites, PCs with carpentry skills or just
enough muscle to help out, and work on building a fence of stakes around the
town, and then extending to cover farmlands. (If you've seen 13th Warrior, you
know the kind of fence)
Getting defensive fortifications in order is the first piece of business.
Scouts and guards are nice, and assigned, but aren't the only things needed.
Feel free to rp it, but no one needs come to me asking what they should be
doing - now you all know, if you're not given a specific 'other' duty, this is
what you're asked to be doing.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/28 (timeout warning) Posted Author
The evil door Mon Feb 19 Elan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If people want to wander out of town on their own time (see the standing
orders posts for during work time), due to the dangers that have been found,
scouting, hunting, and taking a walk groups are to have a minimum of 3 people.
Don't go looking for trouble, and don't bother the dinosaurs unless you're
absolutely, totally certain your group can kill or capture them - a wounded
dinosaur is like any other wounded animal, far more dangerous to people.
Groups /will/ be dispatched to investigate, scout more of the area, and so on,
but the first priority is securing the town and people from the things we've
already seen kill people.
As soon as the fence is up, hunting, scouting, and adventuring groups will be
organized to handle the second priority - assessing and dealing with all other
threats.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/29 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Hunt! Contact! Tue Feb 20 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elan leads the hunting party to the nearby water hole, where the scouts find
one of the huge beasts ("dinosaur, isn't that what they call it?") and her
young grazing by the water. The infant flees, but the hunters close in on the
mother. A dangerous moment, as Lina is trampled and Lighttouch nearly so, but
with the help of a net, the hunters eventually bring down their prey. The
infant is also slain and delivered...from an unexpected quarter:
A group of cat-like humanoids approaches from the north, accompanying the gift
of the young dinosaur's meat with a message that this is the catfolk territory
and their hunting grounds. The Arkites negotiate with the catfolk hunt leader
(K'hrisvarath) and find that they are willing to trade, especially for metal
weapons. In exchange for three spears, K'hrisvarath agrees that the Arkites
may hunt here as long as they stray no farther from the town than that
waterhole, and that they will meet again in two weeks (15 days) at the same
place.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/30 (timeout warning) Posted Author
huzzar! The workers are done! Wed Feb 21 Lighttouch
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After many days of working parties, gathering, lashing and whittling the
eastern defense gate and wall are complete. A good job and a round of ale for
all those that helped in creating the first line of defense of our village.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/31 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Greystone fieldworks (OOC) Thu Feb 22 Corellon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: The description in the town square concerning the town's outer fieldworks
defenses has been updated per Lighttouch's bbpost of the completion of the
east wall thereof.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/32 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Further orders Thu Feb 22 Elan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First, in celebration of the East Gate being finished, Elan has furnished the
local barkeep with the money to cover a free drink for everyone who worked on
the fence and gateways, and a meal for everyone specifically on the east gate
work crews. Similar rewards will be put up as sections are completed.
The constable still has standing orders posted that the fences are highest
priority. But with the ditches having made such progress, and the fence going
up at a good pace, he's also looking for those interested in volunteering for
either or both of two missions:
1. At least one cleric and one knowledgeable in the arcane, as well as
generally capable and daring people interested in joining h8im in further
exploring the mysteries surrounding this 'Vecna' once the fences are done.
2. Someone willing to learn a new language, and at least one skilled diplomat
to join him for the meeting in 2 weeks with the cat people, with the interests
of securing good diplomatic grounds with these neighbors. Those skilled at
determining the motives of those in negotiations would also be welcome. By
preference, this group shouldn't grow too large, so multi-tasking in the areas
of importance is especially welcome.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/33 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Boggle hunts Sun Feb 25 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The boggles were tracked down to their lair. Diplomatic efforts failing to
deter the boggles from their thievery, the Arkites resorted to violence.
Kogorca managed to squeeze into the narrow tunnel (while the other Arkites
were still stuck) and wound them enough to cause them all to flee. Due to
their teleporting powers, the Arkites were unable to track them down... The
following day, No-Tail collapsed their den with some druidic spells, and
sprinkled an especially repulsive essence of stink donated by Wensel the
Alchemist, in hopes of keeping the boggles from reclaiming the lair.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/34 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Greystone Fieldworks done! Mon Feb 26 Anayra
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The work on the spiked wooden fence and ditch around the village is complete,
the workers having learned much of what to do from the building of the first
section. The fieldworks encircles not only the town, but also the keep itself
-- Anayra having had the workers take it to that extent to help protect that
structure, as well, from dinosaurs on the rampage.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/35 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Berry-hunting ends tragically Sun Mar 04 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...for Jaana, who had only recently joined the Ark. Talsora d'Cannith,
Greystone Village magewright, hired four Ark adventurers to harvest the rare
Drafkul berries (used for specialized magical components) from the trees found
growing in the plains just east of town. The difficulty lay in the fact that
the trees are protected by the symbiotic giant ants living among them. Jaana
was unlucky enough to be killed when two of the soldier ants converged upon
her and ripped her apart. The druid Tallasheena was able to entangle the ants
before they could do more harm to the Arkites, who managed to kill two of them
as well as completing their harvest and returning to Greystone.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/36 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Adventurer's death Wed Mar 07 Adurven
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daslyf and Adurven returned late this afternoon bearing the body of Ambrose,
an Arkite only recently arrived through the Change Engines. They report that
the elf died bravely, stabbing a bugbear in the groin before he was brutally
crushed by the goblinoid. But the adventurers prevailed in the end, restoring
a home to the local woman and her mother who had been forcibly evicted by the
bugbear...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/37 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Two-headed dog Sat Mar 10 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...is untameable, say the kennel keepers in Greystone Village. Captured when
it came through the Change Engines, the two-headed dog was sent down the Well,
in order that it might be trained alongside the dire wolves and lesser dogs in
the servive of Ark and town. However, it proved murderous in temperament, and
just clever enough to open the gate, mauling one of the workers on the way
out, and nearly escaping before a group of adventurers brought it down in the
town square. Also, it had tainted blood and carried disease in its bite, claim
the animal doctors.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/38 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Exploration results Tue Mar 27 Elan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With everything the scouts could find behind the sealed door cleared, Elan
gives news to the Ark that he's recommending Anayra get promoted to Corporal,
and head up the scouts for the new region. The promotion comes with a heavy
test, however - during the explorations, a wraith, a type of incorporeal
undead, escaped. Neither the town nor the neighbors are well suited to dealing
with this type of threat.
As such, all guard shifts are asked to try and have someone with some skill at
scouting or otherwise noticing small, hidden details, ideally people who also
have excellent nightvision. When not possible, shifts are doubled, and
adventurers are encouraged to be alert for need of reinforcement.
Anayra, as head scout to be, has been tasked with gathering a group to try and
track down the wraith and neutralize it. An almost impossible task if its
determined to hide - but it has to feed somewhere, and the Catfolk are aware
of the nature of the threat, so anyone with information related to victims of
apparent life-draining, or with knowledge of this type of undead are
encouraged to communicate with Anayra.
Otherwise, priorities remain - get the spear wall entirely finished. When
that's done, the most skilled will start building a stone wall behind it, but
without the rushed pace. Clerics are also being sought to purify, and then
sanctify the former temple of Vecna, to possibly either be given to the
Catfolk if treaties demand it, or to be used as a remote outpost and garrison
at the border of territories.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/39 (timeout warning) Posted Author
wraith hunt Tue Mar 27 Anayra
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anayra will be taking volunteers for a wraith-hunting party. She wants to form
this group now, so as to have them ready to act and react as needed, even
before she begins to track down information on wraith-sightings or attacks.
Anyone with knowledge of the undead, scrying ability, spell-casting ability,
and magical weapons (especially magical items of defense, to as to protect
from the incorporeal atacks of the hunt-party's prey) are requested to
volunteer.
Anayra is also requesting that the Mage Guild assist with scrying services, to
help track down the wraith's current location.
OOC: Levels aren't as important as being able to 1) defend yourself and/or
others from incorporeal attacks and 2) being able to successfully attack an
incorporeal thing (magic, magical weapons, etc). Levels of 3+ are preferred,
but no one will be rejected if they're able to contribute in some fashion or
another.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/40 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Meeting with the Cat folk Mon Apr 02 Lighttouch
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elan and a group of adventurers met with the cat folks leader K'hrisvarath and
the following agreement was met, The scout base near the watering hole will be
established and known to the tribe. Twice a ten day a hunting party may go out
to three days travel for game. And once a ten day to the watering hole. The
ark will trade a small ammount of steel spears, dagger and a bow to the cats
with offer of future trade and the teaching of such crafts in turn. As tension
eases the trade flow will open more as good will is established on both ends.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/41 (timeout warning) Posted Author
New Arrival Thu Apr 12 Corellon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With an explosion that nearly killed Miko, who was on guard duty at the Change
Engines with Jynx and Ronan (who were both sorely wounded by the blast), there
arrived a newcomer to the Ark. Introducing herself as "Katarina d'Argent,
healer in service to Pelor and former dragon-rider", she proved her healing
abilities by casting a powerful healing spell that simultaneously healed all
/three/ of the guards then on duty of all their injuries -- even the dying
Miko was fully restored by the newcomer's magic. Katarina, also called
"Kitty", was accompanied by her steed -- a unicorn that indicated it was her
loyal companion. (According to quickly-spread word, the unicorn spoke for
itself!)
Rushing down to the Change Engines in response to the explosion that rocked
the Ark (but which, strangely, did no damage -- not even singing the walls at
the bottom of the Well or in the Change Engine), Brukal and Hyan met with the
newly-arrived healer. Katarina left with them, her unicorn companion following
after her. The Ark's council members explained the Curse to the newcomer, who
then vowed to be of whatever aid was needed, voicing that it must have been
Pelor's will, indeed, that she was brought to the Ark.
Making use of the contraption designed for the moving of livestock and loads
of cargo, Katarina took herself and the unicorn across the rift between worlds
to the village of Greystone, where she's taken up residence in the hospital
there, to help defend the townsfolk and tend to their needs. The townsfolk,
all quite happy to have a powerful and dedicated healer and protector,
welcomed her with open arms.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/42 (timeout warning) Posted Author
newcomers Fri Apr 13 Gren
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Several newcomers arrived yesterday. First came another warforged, this one
named Vik-tor. He arrived in the company of a pair of storm elementals. The
quick words of Solorin prevented the outbreak of violence, but not before one
of the elementals reacted out of fear and nearly killed Miko. The elementals
then fled up and out of the Well. Solorin followed after to try and prevent
them from dying of the Curse while Ronor and Vik-tor carried the injured Miko
up to seek a healer. Jarvik, earlier having gone up and out to fetch someone
who could speak with the elementals, was already gone by this point -- and
this left the Change Engines empty of guards!
The Old Man, apparently reacting to having been 'robbed' of death in the
Change Engines, brought in others while the guard-post wasn't manned. A
goblin, two humans, and two elves arrived and battled a ferocious, tentacled,
cat-like creature (later identified as a Displacer Beast), forced to kill it
to save the life of one of their number. Captain Brukal arrived just as the
battle with the beast ended and as the newcomers were licking their wounds.
The group of newcomers were escorted up and out by Brukal, who left new guards
at the bottom of the Well. Having been introduced to the Ark and the Curse
explained, the group retired to the Greystone world to find a place to stay.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/43 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Storm elementals Sat Apr 14 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After some diplomatic efforts by Solorin, Jarvik, and Skrags (who actually
/speaks/ Auran), the storm elementals went down the Well and flew off in the
world on the other side...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/44 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Current Orders Mon Apr 16 Elan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The attacks by the wraith have left 2 dead, others nearly so. It has a place
to hide that's been described as sufficiently featureless, that scrying was
all but useless. Until the creature is found and killed, patrols are doubled
at night, and are to have either a scout or a dog, or both with them. If the
dog panics, be especially wary.
Able bodied adventurers are given their option :
1. Anayra is the head scout. If you may be of use finding the wraith, feel
free to volunteer your services, as she's been tasked with locating it.
2. Chaza is doing additional research to find ways to better hurt it, and
maybe see if the churches have ways to help locate it. Those who may be of
use, feel free to speak to him.
Otherwise, extra guards are needed at night.
Anyone else who lacks for things to do - start collecting stone for the more
permanent wall to be built beyond the wall of spears we have temporarily.
There shouldn't be anyone bored.
Diplomatic volunteers are also asked for to help with the upcoming trade day,
and to see if the catfolk and/or the loxo might be of help with finding the
wraith.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/45 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Orders as they stand Sat Apr 21 Elan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok, so everyone in Greystone has stuff they can be doing, priorities right
now:
1. Repair the damage done by the gnolls. This can be building, cutting stakes,
fixing the wagon, patching up the town, etc. This should be quick.
2. Preparing funerary rites for not only our dead, but those of our allies.
Diplomats - learn the rites for the honored dead of the catfolk and loxo for
any lost, we're going to hold a state funeral for their dead, as well as ours,
including funerals for a couple major heroes.
3. Hunting the wraith. This remains high, high priority. There's two people
assigned to lead this one. Anayra is in charge of finding and killing it.
Those who can track or hurt the undead sign up with her. Chaza is in charge of
information gathering, and finding it via magic. Those so inclined to lend
resources there, talk to him.
4. The real wall: the spear wall was intended as a temporary measure. While a
stone wall will be a long time in the making, I want the foundation laid. This
means people can be digging trenches, organizing work crews, going to town up
on Ark-side to buy materials and collect stone, etc. Just because you're not
an engineer doesn't mean you can't use a shovel, or put your diplomatic skills
to good use.
These are the tasks people should be engaged in. If you're bored, work on one
of the above. No one needs permission, anyone can volunteer for any of these
tasks.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/46 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Raising the dead! Tue Apr 24 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Ark's Council and the catfolk and the loxo, trying to smooth over the
"friendly fire" incident that resulted in the deaths of Slash and Hunt Leader
K'hrisvarath, decide to try to have the two heros raised from the dead.
Unfortunately, the spell demands DIAMONDS, lots of them, and there simply are
not enough on hand at Haldresburg, Greystone Village, the Ark, or with the
catfolk, nor any prospect of acquiring any in time (the spell must be cast
within the week). Hyan proposes that they mine some from the Elemental Plane
of Earth. A risky proposition, but Tamalai and the acting Hunt Leader
(Akhetar) agree to make it an honor quest, volunteering one of their own (a
warrior named Iluka) to serve with the Arkites.
Hyan, Elan, Anayra, Chaza, Lina, Skrags (NPC druid), Iluka the catfolk, and a
gemcutter from Greystone Village set out. After landing in a tight cavern,
Hyan's location spell finds some diamonds...hundreds of feet away through
solid rock. More spells and much digging later, an earthquake traps Hyan,
Skrags, and the gemcutter on one side, while the rest...find themselves in the
maze of two half-earth elemental minotaurs, who are not pleased at the
intrusion! The minotaurs attack with no attempt at parlay. In the melee, both
Lina and Iluka are brutally slain! The others prevail, however, and find the
diamonds they seek in the hoard of the minotaurs. Hyan transports them back,
only a few miles off target, and they return without further incident.
The following day, the promised spells are cast, K'hrisvarath, Lina, and Iluka
returning weakened...except for Slash, who chose to remain in the afterlife!
Funeral ceremonies were held for the truly dead, with cremations for the
Arkites and "air burials" for the catfolk, as is their tradition on the plains.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/47 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Altercation in Town Square! Sun Apr 29 Gren
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rumors of an altercation in Greystone's Town Square circulate as whispers
throughout Gretystone and even make their way to the Ark itself.
It seems that Ronan the paladin and Shawukay the even archeress, both fairly
new arrivals to the Ark via the change engines, got into a bit of a row over
Shawukay's goblin friend, Gren.
Some rumors have it that the paladin spoke ill of the goblin and the elf stood
up for her friend, to defend the goblin's honor ("... a goblin has
/honor/?!... well, if an /elf/ is gonna stand up for her, she can't be a
typical gob, right?...").
Some rumors have it that the goblin girl, herself, started the argument by
insulting the paladin. ("... she called a paladin /what/?!... wow!")
Other rumors have it that the elven archer herself started things, drawing her
sword on the paladin for reasons unknown!
Other rumors have it that the /goblin/ girl even stepped between the elf and
the paladin, when they both had weapons drawn on each other, and prevented a
bloody fight. ("... a /goblin/ playing peacemaker? no way!...")
What isn't a rumor is that there /was/ some kind of altercation. A member of
Greystone's newly-trained militia ran to the Ark to fetch Brukal, being as
Elan was currently off on a mission and unavailable. The militia corporal who
responded to cries for help ("... and I hear it was the /goblin/ calling out
for help!...") reported that both the elf-woman and the paladin had blades
drawn when he and his men arrived, but that weapons were sheathed shortly
thereafter. The paladin left in one direction and the elf dragged the goblin
off in another, as the goblin-lass shouted insults at the paladin as he
retreated. The militia corporal /did/ state, for his report, that the goblin
appeared to have never had a weapon drawn and did, at one point, place herself
physically between the other two.
Brukal has, for the moment, ordered the Greystone militia to be watchful and
to respond quickly in the even to future problems of the sort, even going so
far as to thank the corporal for his quick-thinking and quick response to what
was happening. He has, however, left final decision-making on how this should
be dealt with up to Elan and the Greystone community leaders.
"The soldiers of the Ark /will/ respond as needed to assist the Greystone
militia to preserve the peace and, as possible, to prevent bloodshed", Captain
Brukal was heard to say.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/48 (timeout warning) Posted Author
New Smith Sun Apr 29 Nobu
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recently arrived, Nobu is a new smith from a strange land. Not hard to find,
he stays on the Ark smithy unless he goes down to town to trade ideas and
knowledge with the locals. His style of weaponry, however, is a bit odd. Most
of it being curved blades or single-edged, the newest Ark resident has yet to
make a single double-edged blade for use by others so far. He has made
double-edged polearms and axes, though.
OOC: Yep. Nobu is IC and a smith. Freakin' good at it, too. If you need an MW
item for enchantmenting and have some ability to help out or can get someone
to, go bug him. He's already got +9 with his tools and per the house rules, MW
items only need another +1 helping to get the component. Charging is at least
3/5ths the price of the total item being made at the moment. Yes, this is
cheap. No, I'm not kidding. Nobu's a freakin' savage of a fighter. He doesn't
know he could be earning more as of yet. He just enjoys smithing to relieve
anger and the like.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/49 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Adventurers sought Fri May 04 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The three kenku brought to the Ark by the Change Engines claim that the world
outside Greystone Village is their home world (as confirmed by consultation
with the catfolk and loxo and their maps). However, their home city is far
away on the eastern coast of the continent, and well aware of the dangers,
they seek to hire adventurers to guard them along the trip, promising a small
deposit now, and a generous payment at the end of the journey, when they can
draw upon the resources of their nest. They will be meeting with prospective
guards at the village square for the next few days, until they are ready to
set off.
OOC: This is going to take many sessions, so anyone who signs up will be away
from the Ark for awhile (the exact length depends on how often I am able to
run sessions).
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/50 Posted Author
a message and a mission Thu May 17 Corellon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday, a message was received by the Council from Baron Haldre. A war, as
many know, is raging far away -- this is the area where some Arkites are
fighting to try and help the people of that area fend of an invasion by a
'Horde of the Red Hand' or some such.
The message from Baron Halre was concerning a delivery of money, to be used
for supplies and mercenaries, from one of his local rivals to the Red Hand
army. His spies had learned of this delivery, its probably route of passage,
and the time and day it'd be going by near the Ark. The catch? The big 'openly
known' caravan was a feint -- the /real/ delivery, as discovered by Haldre's
spies, was going through the forest.
He requested that the Ark send out a team to ambush the real delivery while he
'played along' and attacked the false caravan.
The Mage's Guild sent its librarian and one of its members (Aoi and Lugh), and
Daslyf, after having apparently proven himself in action when the gnolls
attacked Greystone, was put in charge of the team. Two newcomers, the warrior
named Darvingien and the cleric named Ichi, were sent along as well.
Baron Haldre requested that the delivery be stopped -- and granted the Ark
full salvage rights on the money and items to be had. The Council, in turn,
gave the ambush team -- because of the danger of the mission -- the full
salvage rights.
Daslyf's team, by all reports, made short work of the delivery team. Magic and
might of arms took down the ogres and orcs with no harm coming to any of the
Arkites. A Red Hand orc was captured, as well, and is now in the jail to be
questioned.
In other news, contact with Hayli, Tylan, Sviar, and Inconna's team (the group
out where the war is happening) has been lost... no messenger animals from
Hayli have arrived in quite some time... nor can Skrags' messenger animals
find Hayli to deliver messages from the Ark.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/51 Posted Author
Missing hunters found dead Tue May 22 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After tracking a pair of Greystone townsfolk (lost on an illicit hunting
expedition) to a hive of ants, Arkite adventurers defeat the ants and explore
the hive, only to find the unwounded corpses on the other side of a locked
door (clearly not made by ants!). It seems the wraiths killed them, or at
least, the Pelorite Chaza destroyed three wraiths there, recognizing one as
the same one that had been plaguing Greystone for the past months...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/52 Posted Author
Heros home! Sat May 26 Gronwin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you hear the news!? Them folks that been away from the Ark for so
long have come back! What? Hmmm..don't know how they been safe from the curse
but I saw one of them a'stumble in shock when he came back aboard. Almost in
pain-like.
Did ya hear some of them stories they tell'd down at the Black Dragon?
Wrestlin dragons in the air and fight'n goblins and manticores! Who's to know
the truth of it? Still it makes for mighty fine hear'n.
What's that? Names? Whelp..The big muscled elf, him with the two big
swords..That's Tylan. The dwarf he's called Sviar. Inconna is the other elf.
There's that newcommer too..His name's Thu I think. At least that's what I
heard the others call'm. I done heard they lost somebody too out there.
Adventur'n be deadly dangerous and all. Hayli..what was Tylan's wife. She was
kilt..may her soul rest in peace.
Anyway I hear they's going back out again real soon..a day or so. Best
catch them around while you can!
(The group will ICly be on the Ark a day or two at the most..however
due to schedules OOCly will be around for RP for the next week and a half.)
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/53 Posted Author
Blood-drenched night Sun Jun 03 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A half-dragon (red) with a grudge pays a visit to the Ark...first slaughtering
three of the guards at the cattle pen, then, in a running battle, chopping
down Kyo and Inconna! Inconna left her mark upon the half-dragon woman,
however, and Laylara's blasts (with assistance from Darvingien and Kogorca)
finally bring the enemy down as she tries to flee...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/54 Posted Author
Reincarnation and Curse Mon Jun 04 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday, the Ark saw the arrival of two more humans, an aasimar, and some
grimlocks. Unfortunately, things got off to a bad start, and as a result,
three of the grimlocks as well as Ark resident Miko died in the Change Engine
chamber...
The effects were felt the next day, when druid Skrags re-incarnated Miko (who
was reborn as an orc!). Even as Miko's spirit was drawn back to the Ark, Hyan
Luize's spirit was attacked by the Curse! With assistance from the others
present, Hyan managed to recover...for now... but she re-emphasized the duty
of all Ark guards to avoid killing while aboard the Ark, especially while in
the Change Engines! Meanwhile, the two surviving grimlocks are being held in
the cells under the Gatehouse.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/1 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Stonemasonry Mon Jun 18 Elan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kira has been placed in charge of the building an expansion of the stone walls
slowly going in around the spear fence in Greystone.
Anayra and Chaza remain in charge of other aspects of the town and its defense
per previous orders.
As the lyre of building was placed, occasionally, at our disposal, the user(s)
should inquire with Kira where it should be in use at any specific time.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/2 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Life on the Ark Mon Jul 16 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summer holds sway over the Arhei Valley...while on the other side of the Well,
construction (aided by the Lyre of Building) of a protective wall around
Greystone Village.
Goblinoids continue to plague the Arkites, perhaps deserters or worse from the
war to the east in distant Elsir Vale.
Two grimlocks (wizard (Tuhurok) and warrior (Guhulot)) have been released from
the holding cells under the Gatehouse. They now keep a low profile, keeping to
themselves in a room in Grimstone Keep.
Hyan continues to be troubled by ill omens and nightmares, claiming to hear
the agonized pleas of the demons trapped inside the Ark. She wishes to free
them from the chains of this tormented life. Wensel and the others of the
Council are wary of the possible effects...
Wensel says that his research has shown him a way of controlling the Ark's
physical location. Any disturbance of the demons is to wait until this control
is found...a so-called 'anchor' (a ruby?) hidden in the ground underneath the
Ark that can be manipulated...so he says...
Already a scouting group has gone down underground, but retreated when one of
their members (GraveRobber) was nearly killed...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/3 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Rats? More rats? Sun Jul 22 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An abrupt infestation of rats at the Silver Dragon Inn: a handful of dire rats
broke out through the wall of the wine cellar at the Silver Dragon in
Greystone Village, causing much consternation until they were slain by some
adventurers who happened to be there at the time (Callia, Iluka, Miko, and
then GraveRobber). Investigation of the hole in the cellar led to a small,
crudely dug tunnel that led southward under the town...through a swarm of
smaller rats, then ended...in a pile of dirt where the tunnel was collapsed.
Brief sightings of a humanoid among the rats leads to panicked rumors of a
wererat loose in Greystone...
Two of the dire rats did escape after all...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/4 (timeout warning) Posted Author
A Town in Need Sun Jul 22 Ichi
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A young man James Nockbuckle came into town early in the morning, begging a
plea for help. His tale tells of two individuals that have taken over a nearby
town, two towns east of here. The last town wished they could help, but didn't
have the man power to help with such a task. He's willing to get any help he
can get to rid this place of the wrong that has fallen. The town doesn't have
much, but is willing to part with what they can afford out of their treasury
to those that help.
(OOC: I'll try to run this on Friday, 3rd of August at about 7pm eastern
though this might change to when people can be on, according to when I can,
and any other aspects that might exist that I don't exactly know of. It's
meant for levels 3-5 to join. @mail Ichi if you become interested... If you
are interested in joining, but have a different time frame please let me know,
and I'll try to figure out any change possible.)
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/5 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Townsman taken! Fri Aug 17 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After days of rumors of digging noises and invisible wererats, one couple,
hearing the noises right in their cellar, decided to figure out just what it
was...they dug right into some kind of monstrous ants nest...
The woman's scream draws Ark adventurers (who have been patrolling the
streets) in, where they find the hole mysteriously mended...digging again,
they find a warrior ant-creature, which Lugh identifies as a formian! The
adventurers barely beat it back, and the formians retreat behind a
quickly-reassembled door, but the woman's husband, Nils the Carpenter, is also
gone...presumably taken...alive or dead? Unknown...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/6 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Unhappy homecoming Tue Aug 21 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The newly arrived salamanders, after surrendering to the guards at the Change
Engines and getting taken into custody, have the usual explanations given to
them about the Ark and the Curse. But even after hearing all this, they insist
that they want to go home. They can't bear the idea of spending the rest of
their lives in this cold, fire-forsaken world. They want to go home, even if
it kills them. So three days after they arrive, Hyan Luize agrees to a planar
shift...she makes the oath of return, but they do not. They barely arrive on
the elemental plane of fire when the salamanders are seized by hideous cold
flames that devour them from within! Only a few icy cinders remain...
Hyan Luize says a prayer for the dead and returns, much subdued, to the Ark to
make her report. Planar travel is proven to be no escape from the Curse...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/7 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Rat-human thing Tue Aug 28 Elan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In cleaning out a local scourge, Elan, Katarina, In cleaning out a local
scourge, Elan, Katarina,Thurirl Litrix, Lugh, and the former mistress of the
Black Dragon Tavern's back rooms, Laylara. Most foes were killed, but one
shapeshifting creature, able to turn into both rat and human forms escaped.
Elan is placing a 10 platinum reward for its head - killing the people of his
town does not go over well. Rewards will also be considered for information
leading to its death before it kills anyone else.
He is also suggesting a group inquire with the clerics of the Ark to have its
location divined magically.
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/8 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Rescue party gone missing Fri Aug 31 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Council send veteran adventurers Aoi, Kyliea, and Vale in search of Nils
the Carpenter and the ant-like formians that took him. The search takes them
deep under Greystone Village...and they are not heard from again... Hyan's
scrying shows that Kyliea is dead, Vale a prisoner in a dark cell somewhere,
and Aoi apparently enslaved...
==============================================================================
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/9 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Light! Demons! Flying saucers! Tue Sep 04 The Doctor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...or people falling out of the sky. Wensel's expedition to find his
postulated "anchor" in the ground under the Ark goes awry, with only Faiza
escaping to tell the tale. The one-armed sorcerer Alizar, the metal
priest-smith Jones, and the knight Fellinore apparently vanished after a
tentative identification of the "anchor" as a big ruby in a mysterious
underground temple. Scrying shows only muddled images of them suffering
equally mysteriously...
Meanwhile, the Ark is shaken, and a beam of red light cuts between it and the
ground, opening a temporary rift, bringing two strangers to the Ark (Cursed?
Or not? Who'll take that bet?): Adventus and Lachdan...and transforming two
locals (unlucky stablehands) into wrackspawn demons, the same breed found
buried in the rock near the Change Engines! With the help of Flotusum, a
strange flying snakish humanoid, and Nephren-Kah, a relatively new arrival
himself, the demons are slain...
...but questions remain...
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/10 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Trackers needed Sat Sep 08 Adventus
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Adventus, one of the newest resident of the ark, came across a farmer who had
some trouble in his nearby forest. His investigation leads him to a home of a
man by the name of Garstrang. That man is dead now, killed by orcs. The tracks
of his murderer is still fresh on the victim's home. But it may not remain
visible if rain were to fall later. The man is calling for any kind-hearted
tracker to help him locate where this way-ward orcs are and imprison them,
letting them serve time for the crime they have committed.
(OOC: Those who like to know more about the incident, page Lachdan. Those who
want to RP about gaining knowledge about the incident, page Adventus.)
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/11 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Ark grounded! Adventurers gone! Wed Sep 12 The Doctor
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Wensel has been directing a quest for increased control of the Ark via his
posited "Anchor", a physical object that fixes the location of the Ark
relative to the ground. Previously, a search party reported finding a ruby
that seemed a likely candidate, but their attempt to move it resulted in 3/4
of the group vanishing. Wensel proposed trying again, with more and stronger
adventurers...
But even as they gathered beneath the Ark, after a bolt of red lightning
between Ark and earth, the Ark itself broke free of its moorings and
catapulted wildly across the sky! Zigging and zagging who knows where...
Guessing that this indicated that some other force had taken control of the
"anchor", the adventurers headed underground. There they met a hostile force
of strange humanoids: some in weird organic armor crawling on the walls and
ceilings, some crystalline warriors, and one mutant beast with three heads
reminiscent of a giant scorpion...the adventurers destroy their foes, but in
the aftermath, the healer Katarina picks up a shard of mirror from between the
scales of the giant beast...and she is grabbed from the other side and taken
away, leaving only her spear behind. The others, unable to rescue her, press
onward...
And find a desecrated temple: orinally a temple filled with light, mirrors,
stained glass figures, and a quiet pool, it's now a shambles, filled with
shattered glass and bits of gems and metal. There is no ruby to be found.
Our adventurers search carefully...and find a hidden door. Behind it, one
single intact mirror! It sucks away Inconna, Thurirl Litrix, and Tylan,
leaving only darkness on what was a mirror, and their voices --- still faintly
audible. Searching for a key, Lina finds shards of mirror on the floor with
strange mirror-image writing in a strange language...others help her gather
the fragments...then the earth shudders...
Our adventurers head quickly back to the surface to find that the Ark is no
longer a giant floating rock. It is a giant rock sitting on the ground...
trees crushed beneath it. As for the tree fey Krmfferfeff, he is nowhere to be
seen, though the next day a huntsman reports a brief meeting with him...the
fey is headed away with a seedling of his tree and only curses for the "stupid
stone people"!
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/12 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Mirror creature captured Thu Oct 04 The Doctor
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While trying to piece together their mirror shards in the Ark's courtyard, our
adventurers find that there is something swimming in the depths of the
reflection...it emerges, a double-sworded warrior with strange reflective
armor-skin. It says that it is claiming the Ark for its masters, and orders
the Arkites to submit! When submission is not forthcoming, a melee
ensues...ending with the capture of the warrior...now held in a windowless,
reflection-less cell under the Gatehouse...
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/13 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Ark flies again! Dead return! Tue Oct 09 The Doctor
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One night, the Ark suddenly flies up from the ground again! Memories clash
painfully. Those not bound by the Curse or who have not spent much time at the
Ark only remember vaguely that the Ark was kinda floating, fell down once,
then flies again. Those who arrived since the Ark was "grounded" only have
single memories, too. The rest...are confused. The mirror shards are a jagged
reminder of conflicting pasts. They remain, as do the mirror warriors...who
suddenly lose all their arrogance and are despondent for whatever
reason...Physically, the Ark is in the air again. The damage on the ground
remains.
And the explanation emerges from the tunnels under the Ark: Inconna, Laylara,
Thurirl Litrix, Tylan...and Hayli! Hayli .... isn't dead...? Those who
remember her death have another inconsistency to struggle with. And this Hayli
seems different from the Hayli who died.
As for Laylara, the warlock returns with a glowing ruby which seems to be able
to control the location/flight of the Ark itself! For now, she places it
somewhere inside her rooms. Presumably well-guarded.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/14 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Anchor Mon Nov 05 Gronwin
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The following is to a link on the website for a log of the meeting
concerning the Ark anchor. IF you weren't ther please take a moment to review
the info in the log as it applies to IC happenings greatly.
http://www.arkoffools.com/game/gron-log-15-oct-2007.txt
Thanks-Gron
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/15 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Bugbear Problem (A PrP by Adventus Thu Nov 22 Adventus
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As the Arkites search for the means to get themselves back to their
homeworld, trouble brews in a nearby farm hold.
Harassed and exploited by bugbears, a small family seeks the means to
survive against their harsh environment. Although the initial threat has been
halted due to the valiant and selfless efforts of some arkite residents, the
problem is by no means solved.
There are more bugbears according to the head of the farming family.
And since the first bugbear group has been eliminated, the rest are likely to
be out for blood for the loss of their comrades.
The few concerned members of the ark have promised to return to the
farm as soon as possible. They have made a pledge to find the lair of the
bugbears and put a stop to their evil deeds in the area.
OOC: The scene is to start at 8am EST. Level 2-4 (preferably 4)
characters are needed in the plot. If you have a character of that range,
please join. Only four characters are needed. Preference is given to the
characters that have been in the previous scene, but new characters are
allowed to join if they come early enough.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/16 (timeout warning) Posted Author
panic in parlor Fri Nov 23 Gronwin
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*overheard from two women in keep kitchens*
"You 'eard 'bout that ruckus down below? Seems that vile woman has
called demons down 'pon us again! That vile wench and her whores! Demons of
dark mist! Can you credit it? That nice paladin and a few others 'aving to
sully themselves in the 'parlor' to see'm sent back to 'ades wenst they came!"
The second woman sighs and shakes her head. "Welp that ain't all of it
from what I heard. /That woman/ spent hte night all shut up in her room they
said..then went to the council. Seems all of a sudden theres been 'news from
beyond' or whatever. Something about messages from them misty thingins!
Councils all hush hush bout it. There's trouble there! Mark my words!" The
concversation turns to milking of cows and winter storage of foods.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/17 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Ark to move! Spies! Dragons! Tue Dec 04 The Doctor
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After much discussion, the Council, uneasy with the potentially hostile
attraction the Ark has drawn lately, has decided to try to move the Ark to a
safer location...somewhere not sandwiched between green dragons and ogre magi.
The Council sends a group of messengers (Hayli, Inconna, Sviar, and Tylan) to
the city of Brindol, in Elsir Vale in the foothills of the Skapsian Highlands,
the borders of which lie about a week away by horseback (but in this case they
teleport there). The Lord of Brindol receives the message with some
skepticism, but as the messengers are heros to the folk of Brindol for their
role in stopping the Red Hand's invading horde, he doesn't deny the request
outright. He plans to pay the Ark a visit himself (with his own advisors) a
week from now, before deciding.
When the Ark's messengers return,it's at the same moment someone (looks like a
human man!) is in the air flying away at great speed! They give chase, but he
vanishes. The regular Arkites are startled to see a red dragon flying over the
Ark! People say it was actually the dwarven mage, but who knows...and that
same dwarf claims that some green half-dragon, stooped and twisted with a
ritually scarred face, is scrying on them from somewhere in the Wyrmwood about
fifty miles north of the Ark.
Who was the mysterious man who flew away from the Ark? People say he was a
trader, who's come and gone from the Ark for a long time now. He hasn't been
seen for the last 24 hours...no one seems to know just what he was up
to...rumor has it that he was a spy for the dragons, but who can be sure?
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/18 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Negotiations succeed, prisoners fr Thu Dec 06 The Doctor
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After months of attrition and raiding and counter-raiding with the formian
hive that seems to have an underground city underneath Greystone, the Ark
Council decides to send a diplomatic mission to try to negotiate a truce with
the ant-people. Laylara leads the delegation, with Lighttouch (and her
unicorn), Alicia (from the Greystone side), and Jaxon for advice and support.
They make contact with the Formians. Laylara eventually persuades them that
trade is more efficient than war (though naturally they would prefer to run
everything themselves) and to release the people they have captured for their
labor force. They claim that most of the people got sick and died, and that
this was no doing of theirs. They then return the survivors. It seems that
whatever it was hit the Arkites harder than the Greystone folk, though all
were affected. The freed prisoners were taken to the hospital, where Hyan
Luize and Wensel work to heal them and understand the source and nature of the
disease. Meanwhile, the Formian hive sends one of their taskmasters to meet
with the Ark Council.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/19 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Troll's blood Fri Dec 07 Adventus
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Winsell, one of the gifted researchers onboard the Ark, got into an accident
when he tried to analyze something about the engine's powers. The accident has
left him in a near death state. He was quickly brought to the medical facility
where his health is being monitored. According to the healers, his vital signs
are deteriorating. Although the knowledge on how to heal the researcher is
available, the means are not. In order for treatment to work, the healer
requires about one pint of blood from three separate trolls. The regenerative
property of the troll is what is needed.
The leaders of the Ark have requested that several people volunteer in finding
some trolls and getting 1 pint of blood from them. There is haste in the
procurement of the ingredients as the health of the researcher is waning. The
sooner the group gets back with the pints of troll blood, the bigger the
chances of Winsell's recovery.
The esteemed Arkite healer, Hyan Luize, has
contracted an illness not long after treating Winsell and the survivors of the
Formian captivity. There is no clear evidence that her condition is related to
the present problems faced by the other Arkites in sickbay. Many assume that
whatever is harming the residents of the Arkites is contagious and are
isolating those who are showing signs and symptoms of the disease.
The need to find the treatment of the disease has become more urgent, and the
leaders of the Ark have increased their intensity in having people get the
cure.
OOC note:
1) Player run plot for level ranges 4-6.
2) At least four characters are needed in this scene.
3) Those who are interested in participating in the scene, please @mail
Adventus your available time and date.
4) The plot will continue until staff decides they have enough of the scene.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/20 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Brindolians Wed Dec 12 Gronwin
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The word is rapidly spread through the Ark and even into the Greystone
side of the portal. It seems that the visiting dignitaries from Brindol
arrived on time and as planned in the courtyars of the Ark. They were greeted
by the council and several of hte Ark's more famous or notorious people and
were given a tour of the Ark. Just as they arrived near the Change Engines the
old man 'woke' and activated the engines bringing in several more people to
the Ark and more then a few monsters. The battle was joined that the
Brindolians were ushered off to shelter in the Black Dragon. Soon after the
fight started, a monster of the planes seperated and broke for the safety of
the the world above the well, causeing the battle to continue on two fronts.
The Ark's heros and new arrivals did away with the creatures but not without
some stiff fighting. The dignitaries were seen too and mollified, the incident
giving them quite an insite to the life aboard the cursed Ark.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/21 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Of Brindolians and Barons Sat Dec 22 Gronwin
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News of the Brindolian deliagates is fresh in everyone's mind on both
sides of the portal..Greystone and the Ark. On their last day aboard the Ark
they took a tour of the Greystone village with stops at the walls, commerce
and residental sections as well as the hospital. They asked many questions and
were seen about the town by Elan, Anayra, Cassius and Lighttouch. Over all it
seems they had a good time and expressions of goodwill were said to have been
bantered back and forth. The Brindolians then retired back to the Ark for a
brief while before returning to the courtyard and teleporting back home.
Laylara of the parlor seems to think the whole visit went well as the
Brindolians seemed exceited at the prospect of having the Ark as allies even
with some of their misgivings.
From the more local area...Some of the new folk of the Ark, Asch,
Dyfed and Torbin were approached durring a recent trip from the local town.
The Baron gave notice to Torbin to pass on to the Ark council. It seems that
the Baron is displeased, giving warning that 'Halder will not stand by while
the north (the Wyrmwood) gains its allegiance.' The council has had thoughts
of sending message or diplomat back to ensure to the baron that such is not in
their plans. Yet perhaps more disturbing is the fact that after recieving this
message the small group was attacked by lizardmen along the road back to the
Ark. Two travelers on their way to the Ark assisted in the lizardmens
defeat..Darot and Rhasqu. Both who seem to be followers of the traveling god
Fharlanghn.
Many surmise that the lizardmen were agents of the dragon ruled lands
to the north and that their interest is also perked in one form or another.
Yet good news has recently arrived. The council has tried to hush it
up but a response has returned from Brindol after only three days of waiting.
Hope seems higher as the possability of moving the Ark from the explosive
political situation seems nearer.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/22 (timeout warning) Posted Author
Change Engine Alarm Wed Dec 26 Hurion
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After Hurion's first stint in the Change Engines, he lives down below in the
Trade Center, He's arranged purchased a Horn for use by the guards. In the
event that hostiles escape from the engines.
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RL YEAR: 2008
=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/23 Posted Author
A steering wheel for the Ark! Thu Jan 03 The Doctor
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Dwarven wizard Sviar has crafted a magical contraption to house the Ark
anchor. Using it, the Arkites are able to control the velocity of the floating
rock (up to a point). Getting the ruby from Laylara's room up to the Council
Tower proved to be something of an adventure, however, even with the stalwart
assistance of Hayli, Cassius, and Inconna.
Keen-eyed Inconna spotted a shadowy intruder lurking outside Laylara's
chambers. Melee ensued, Inconna's daggers backed up by arrows from Hayli and
blasts from Laylara. The spy was heavily overmatched. It was reduced to a
dying heap in the common room of the Black Dragon (to the consternation of the
panicking patrons) within a minute. As it died, one of the shadows in the room
vanished, after whispering something about a "Lord Ebongeld". Apparently, this
Ebongeld is from the Shadow Realm, and had been sending messages offering to
"assist" the Council and the Ark...
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/24 Posted Author
Wensel sends for help Mon Jan 07 The Doctor
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Greystone Village: Wensel and Hyan Luize, still ill from the mysterious
sickness contracted by the ex-Formian slaves, and gradually weakening despite
the alchemically treated troll blood infusions, send SiAmun (and Darot and
Rhasqu, two travelers visiting the Ark, as guards) to Hawthorn Abbey to ask
for assistance. Abbot Denis Hawthorn sends the mage Franz Yeluci (who had
helped before with the anti-Curse amulets) back to the Ark to see if he can
help. Franz says that he will attempt a "vision quest" with Wensel and perhaps
some others of the Ark to find some answers...
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/25 Posted Author
News from abroad Mon Jan 07 Gronwin
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The council (and other sources) have let it be known that word has
returned from Brindol about permission for the Ark to move to Elsir Vale. The
news is apparently good and the Lord of Brindol has given the Ark the go ahead
to move to the edge of their lands, apparently, over a long abandoned keep
named Vraath keep. Several people aboard the Ark have been to this location
and can speak of it's condition. The Lord of Brindol also formaly recognizes
the title that the heros of the Ark found for the keep and thus the Ark
formally owns the keep and a goodly sum of miles about the keep as long as
they hold it in the best interest of the Vale and it's Lord. Said lands are
known to be abit on the wild side and the nearest town in the vale is small
and nearly 2 days of travel from the keep.
This news the council has asked the people of the Ark to hold dear as
the forces of the dragons and ogres may not wish to let the Ark go without a
fight yet the people are given time to complete things nad transactions to
prepare for the move. One week before hte Ark sets out.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/26 Posted Author
Pratical research into the Curse Wed Jan 23 Yuri
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Yuri has begun the attempt to research a detection spell regarding curses. He
is actively requesting the assistance of any knowledgable person regarding
spells to assist. Regardless of type of magic energy someone uses, if you are
willing to assist in the research your help is welcome. If you only can
provide research funds, that would be welcome as well.
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=========================== IC news, rumors, etc. ============================
Message: 10/27 Posted Author
Source of illness found Tue Jan 29 The Doctor
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Franz Yeluci, the druidic scholar from Hawthorn Abbey (Wensel had asked them
for help) undertakes a "vision quest" (akin to an astral journey, but with a
different focus) for Hyan Luize to discover the source of the mysterious
sickness that resisted all her spells. With the protection of Hayli, Laylara,
Thurirl Litrix, and Tylan, they retrace the path of her own investigations.
This time, they find a magical artifact, ruined in this time and buried under
the plains, but apparently still exerting its influence across the centuries.
It is a portal of sorts, seemingly keyed to drag those under the Curse into
the Abyss... After some study, Franz and Hyan say that the only way to destroy
it and free those already stricken from the illness is to take the "kingstone"
of the artifact from its place in the Abyss to be cleansed in the holy
mountain of Celestia. The artifact is of strange construction (of a different
style to that of the Ark itself) and carvings on it suggest a connection with
Yeenoghu (the demon prince of gnolls) and the fallen angel Azael...
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